Milton Keynes Among UK's Top Cities for High Wages, Housing Growth and Innovation
Milton Keynes has been recognised as one of the UK's leading cities for high wages, rapid housing growth, and innovation, according to the latest Cities Outlook 2025 report by the Centre for Cities.
This recognition underscores the city’s growing reputation as a centre of economic vitality and technological advancement.
The report highlights Milton Keynes as a standout performer in terms of average earnings, with workers in the city earning around £40,596 annually, significantly above the national average salary of £37,206. These higher wages are largely attributed to Milton Keynes' thriving technology and artificial intelligence sectors. The city's commitment to innovation attracts highly skilled professionals and leading-edge businesses, creating a robust local economy with abundant high-quality job opportunities.
Milton Keynes' status as a burgeoning hub for technological innovation is evident, with approximately one-third of jobs in the city now situated within the tech sector. The city council and local businesses continue to invest in initiatives that further enhance this growing reputation. Such efforts aim to create interconnected networks of innovators and entrepreneurs, driving collaboration and accelerating technological advancement across multiple industries.
Further underscoring its entrepreneurial spirit, Milton Keynes ranks third nationally in terms of new business formation, with 56.7 start-ups per 10,000 residents. This thriving start-up ecosystem is supported by infrastructure designed to nurture new ventures, facilitating their growth and sustainability. The high number of new businesses reinforces Milton Keynes as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, benefiting from both a favourable economic environment and robust local support networks.
Alongside economic achievements, Milton Keynes has become one of the UK's fastest-growing cities for housing development. The city witnessed a 2.4% increase in new housing within just one year, reflecting its success in meeting the demand from both current and incoming residents. This housing growth is crucial for supporting Milton Keynes' expanding workforce and accommodating the continued influx of businesses and families drawn to the city's opportunities.
In addition to housing and economic growth, Milton Keynes City Council has launched targeted initiatives aimed at bolstering local businesses and driving job creation, particularly within Bletchley and Fenny Stratford. Through the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Deal, businesses can access grants designed to facilitate both new ventures and expansions. Start-ups can receive grants of up to £2,500 to support business launches, marketing efforts, or technology upgrades, while established businesses may apply for grants up to £5,000 to assist with growth initiatives such as product development, staff training, or equipment purchases.
One example of a local enterprise benefiting from such support is BalloonyTyphoony, a business specialising in inflatable balloon-domes for events, which plans to invest grant funds into equipment to enhance accessibility for children with disabilities.
Overall, the Cities Outlook 2025 report confirms Milton Keynes' significant accomplishments in wages, innovation, and housing. These collective achievements position the city as a highly attractive location for professionals, businesses, and families, laying strong foundations for future growth and continued prosperity.
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