The gender pay gap remains a persistent problem in the United States, with women earning less than men across most industries and professions.
While this wage disparity exists in both large and small cities, some areas have a more significant gap than others. In this article, we will explore the 10 small cities in America with the largest gender pay gap.
To compile this list, we analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, which provides information on income and demographic characteristics of households across the country. We defined small cities as those with a population between 50,000 and 250,000 residents.
The results reveal that the gender pay gap is a pervasive issue in small cities, with women earning significantly less than men in all but 9 small cities.
The gap ranges from a low of 15% in some cities to a high of 49% in others, which means that women in some cities earn only 51 cents for every dollar earned by men.
How We Determined Our List
We cross referenced Government data to calculate the wage gap between the median earnings for males who are working full time, year round, and their female counterparts. These numbers were compared statistically to calculate a wage gap.
When it comes to the criteria of a ‘small city’ – cities with a population of 50,000 – 250,000 qualified for our search.
10 Small Cities In America With The Largest Gender Pay Gap
#1: The Woodlands, Texas
- Population: 114,532
- Median Earnings Male: $125,472
- Median Earnings Female: $63,695
- Income Gap: $61,777
- Wage Gap: 49.24%
The Woodlands CDP is a master-planned community located in the Houston metropolitan area in Texas. With a population of over 114,000, it offers residents a high quality of life with a wide variety of amenities. The median earnings for males in
The Woodlands CDP are very high at $125,472, while the median earnings for females are also well above the national average at $63,695.
However, the income gap between the two genders is significant at $61,777, and the wage gap stands at 49.24%. Despite this, The Woodlands CDP has a lot to offer, including excellent schools, a bustling town center, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities. Additionally, it is home to several large corporations, including ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips Chemical, making it a hub of economic activity in the region.
#2: Madison City, Alabama
- Population: 50,717
- Median Earnings Male: $96,237
- Median Earnings Female: $51,572
- Income Gap: $44,665
- Wage Gap: 46.41%
Madison City is a suburb of Huntsville, Alabama with a population of just over 50,000. It offers residents a peaceful and safe environment with a small-town feel while still being close to the amenities of a larger city. The median earnings for males in Madison City are $96,237, while the median earnings for females are $51,572. The income gap between the genders is $44,665, and the wage gap stands at 46.41%.
Madison City has much to offer, including excellent schools, a charming downtown area, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities. It is also home to several high-tech companies, including Adtran and Intergraph, which contribute to the city’s economic growth. Madison City is known for its Southern hospitality and community spirit, with a variety of events and festivals held throughout the year.
#3: Lehi City, Utah
- Population: 66,980
- Median Earnings Male: $78,999
- Median Earnings Female: $43,081
- Income Gap: $35,918
- Wage Gap: 45.47%
Lehi City is located in Utah County, Utah and has a population of over 66,000 residents. The city is known for its growing tech industry and family-friendly environment. The median earnings for males in Lehi City are $78,999, while the median earnings for females are $43,081. The income gap between the genders is $35,918, and the wage gap stands at 45.47%.
Lehi City has much to offer, including excellent schools, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life. It is located near several world-class ski resorts, as well as numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.
Additionally, Lehi City is home to several large tech companies, including Adobe, Oracle, and Xactware, which contribute to the city’s economic growth. The city also has a charming downtown area, with several local restaurants and shops.
#4: Johns Creek City, Georgia
- Population: 84,551
- Median Earnings Male: $103,556
- Median Earnings Female: $59,564
- Income Gap: $43,992
- Wage Gap: 42.48%
Johns Creek City is a suburban city located in Fulton County, Georgia, with a population of over 84,000 residents. The median earnings for males in Johns Creek City are $103,556, while the median earnings for females are $59,564. The income gap between the genders is $43,992, and the wage gap stands at 42.48%.
Johns Creek City has much to offer, including excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life. The city is known for its beautiful parks and natural areas, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Additionally, Johns Creek City is home to several large corporations, including State Farm and Macy’s, which provide a stable economic foundation for the city.
#5: Frisco city, Texas
- Population: 188,387
- Median Earnings Male: $108,324
- Median Earnings Female: $66,210
- Income Gap: $42,114
- Wage Gap: 38.88%
Frisco City is a thriving suburb located in Collin and Denton counties, Texas, with a population of over 188,000 residents. The median earnings for males in Frisco City are $108,324, while the median earnings for females are $66,210. The income gap between the genders is $42,114, and the wage gap stands at 38.88%.
Frisco City has much to offer, including a booming economy, excellent schools, and a high quality of life. The city is home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and Training Facility, as well as the National Soccer Hall of Fame, making it a hub for sports enthusiasts
Additionally, Frisco City is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with several community events and festivals held throughout the year. The city also has a thriving retail and dining scene, with several shopping centers and restaurants offering a wide variety of options.
#6: Flower Mound Town, Texas
- Population: 78,854
- Median Earnings Male: $104,974
- Median Earnings Female: $64,372
- Income Gap: $40,602
- Wage Gap: 38.68%
Flower Mound Town is a suburb located in Denton and Tarrant counties, Texas, with a population of over 78,000 residents.
The median earnings for males in Flower Mound Town are $104,974, while the median earnings for females are $64,372. The income gap between the genders is $40,602, and the wage gap stands at 38.68%. Despite the wage gap, Flower Mound Town has much to offer, including excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life.
The town is known for its beautiful parks and natural areas, including the Cross Timbers Trail and the Flower Mound, which gives the town its name. Additionally, Flower Mound Town is home to several large corporations, including Best Buy and Stryker Communications, which provide a stable economic foundation for the town.
#7: Weston City, Florida
- Population: 70,965
- Median Earnings Male: $85,889
- Median Earnings Female: $52,739
- Income Gap: $33,150
- Wage Gap: 38.60%
Weston City is a suburban community located in Broward County, Florida, with a population of over 70,000 residents. The median earnings for males in Weston City are $85,889, while the median earnings for females are $52,739. The income gap between the genders is $33,150, and the wage gap stands at 38.60%.
Weston City has much to offer, including excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life. The city is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreational areas, including the Weston Regional Park and the Bonaventure Resort and Spa.
Additionally, Weston City is home to several large corporations, including UKG and Cleveland Clinic Florida, which provide a stable economic foundation for the city.
#8: Sammamish City, Washington
- Population: 65,265
- Median Earnings Male: $150,958
- Median Earnings Female: $94,216
- Income Gap: $56,742
- Wage Gap: 37.59%
Sammamish City is a suburban community located in King County, Washington, with a population of over 65,000 residents. The median earnings for males in Sammamish City are $150,958, while the median earnings for females are $94,216. The income gap between the genders is $56,742, and the wage gap stands at 37.59%.
Sammamish City has much to offer, including excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life. The city is known for its natural beauty, with several parks and trails, including Pine Lake Park and the Sammamish River Trail.
Additionally, Sammamish City is home to several large technology companies, including Microsoft and Amazon. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several community events and festivals held throughout the year.
#9: Dublin City, California
- Population: 63,856
- Median Earnings Male: $130,672
- Median Earnings Female: $82,355
- Income Gap: $48,317
- Wage Gap: 36.98%
Dublin City is located in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. With a population of just under 64,000, it is a relatively small city that offers a high quality of life to its residents. The median earnings for males in Dublin City are among the highest in the nation at $130,672, while the median earnings for females are also well above the national average at $82,355. However, the income gap between the two genders is still significant at $48,317, and the wage gap stands at 36.98%.
Dublin City offers a wide variety of amenities, including excellent schools, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. It is also known for its proximity to the wine country of Northern California, with many wineries and vineyards located within a short drive from the city.
#10: Wheaton City, Illinois
- Population: 53,157
- Median Earnings Male: $90,523
- Median Earnings Female: $57,898
- Income Gap: $32,625
- Wage Gap: 36.04%
Wheaton City is a suburb located approximately 25 miles west of Chicago. With a population of just over 53,000, it offers a small town feel while still being close to the amenities of a large city. The median earnings for males in Wheaton City are $90,523, while the median earnings for females are $57,898. The income gap between the genders is $32,625, and the wage gap stands at 36.04%.
Wheaton City has much to offer its residents, including excellent schools, a charming downtown area, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities. Additionally, it is home to Wheaton College, a highly regarded liberal arts college that adds to the city’s intellectual and cultural vibrancy. Wheaton City has a rich history and is known for its beautiful architecture, including many historic homes and buildings.
Data Report – 10 Small Cities In America With The Largest Gender Pay Gap
Geographic Area Name | Population | Median Earnings Male | Median Earnings Female | Income Gap | Wage Gap % |
The Woodlands CDP, Texas | 114,532 | $125,472 | $63,695 | $61,777 | 49.24% |
Madison City, Alabama | 50,717 | $96,237 | $51,572 | $44,665 | 46.41% |
Lehi City, Utah | 66,980 | $78,999 | $43,081 | $35,918 | 45.47% |
Johns Creek City, Georgia | 84,551 | $103,556 | $59,564 | $43,992 | 42.48% |
Frisco City, Texas | 188,387 | $108,324 | $66,210 | $42,114 | 38.88% |
Flower Mound town, Texas | 78,854 | $104,974 | $64,372 | $40,602 | 38.68% |
Weston City, Florida | 70,965 | $85,889 | $52,739 | $33,150 | 38.60% |
Sammamish City, Washington | 65,265 | $150,958 | $94,216 | $56,742 | 37.59% |
Dublin City, California | 63,856 | $130,672 | $82,355 | $48,317 | 36.98% |
Wheaton City, Illinois | 53,157 | $90,523 | $57,898 | $32,625 | 36.04% |
Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Dana Leigh, Product Manager and Researcher