Milton Keynes among top cities for high wages, housing growth and innovation

Milton Keynes has been named as one of the top cities for high wages, innovation and highest housing growth. The Cities Outlook 2025 report commissioned by Centre for Cities shows that workers in Milton Keynes on average earn £40,596, above the national average of £37,206. Cutting-edge industries are cited as among one of the many factors driving higher wages.

The report revealed that cities with higher wages tend to have a greater number of innovative businesses in sectors such as tech and artificial intelligence (AI). Areas with the highest levels of pay levels have more than twice as many cutting-edge firms and three times as many high-tech jobs as lower-paying regions.

Milton Keynes is establishing itself as a leader in AI and tech, with one in three jobs in the city is in technology, and the city council and its partners have ambitious plans to grow and connect the tech ecosystem in the city.

The city has one of the highest shares of new economy businesses, with 56.7 start-ups per 10,000 people – ranking third in the country. Additionally, the report highlights Milton Keynes as the fastest growing city in the country, with a 2.4% growth in housebuilding in a single year – a reflection of its ability to attract businesses and residents alike.

Free Midsummer Festival returns in 2025
The much-loved Midsummer Festival, which welcomed 7,000 attendees to its debut event last year is set to return on Sunday 22 June.

Organised by Milton Keynes City Council to coincide with the summer solstice, from 10am on 22 June Midsummer Boulevard East will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of music, arts and family-friendly activities inspired by themes of renewal, healing and health.
The festival will feature an exciting mix of live music, street theatre, folklore-inspired art, and hands-on workshops, all free to enjoy. Visitors can also indulge in delicious pop-up street food curated by local favourite, Sophie etc., available throughout the day and into the evening.

Midsummer Boulevard East will be closed to traffic during the event. Diversion signs will redirect motorists, and buses will operate from alternative stops outside The Point on Lower Tenth Street.

While the full programme is still being finalised, highlights already confirmed include:

Leap Then Look: A new interactive art commission
Bernadette Russell: A captivating storytelling performance reclaiming the image of fairies as wild, punk-spirited protectors of the earth
Wild Rumpus and the Pavilion of the Hopeful Sun: Hosting the enchanting ‘Ceremony of the Seed’

The city council is inviting artists, creatives, and cultural organisations to submit ideas for a new commission to feature in the festival programme. Those interested can apply on the city council’s website here – www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/culture/cultural-opportunities