The 10 best and 10 worst states for finding a job right now
If you’re among the millions of unemployed Americans currently seeking work, you’re likely aware of the challenging job market. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that in August, the number of job seekers exceeded the number of available positions in the US for the first time since April 2021. This shift follows a series of layoffs at major companies like Amazon, Meta, and GM this year. While discouragement is understandable, hope remains. WalletHub has published a ranking of the best and worst cities in the US for job hunters, highlighting where your chances of success might be higher or lower. WalletHub compared all 50 states using 34 key metrics to assess job-market strength and economic health. These metrics include employment growth, median annual income, average commute time, job security, and even the potential impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement. The study revealed that the top states for jobs are largely concentrated in New England, the Upper Midwest, and the Great Plains, with Texas as the only Southern state represented. Despite variations in regional characteristics and industries, from tech in Massachusetts to agriculture in the Dakotas, these states share common strengths: low unemployment, robust job growth, and business-friendly environments. “The best states for jobs make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs, and employers in these states also offer very competitive compensation and benefits,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. Below are WalletHub’s rankings of the 10 best and 10 worst states for job prospects. Business Insider has supplemented this data with September median home sale prices from Redfin and 2024 median household income data from the Missouri Census Data Center’s ACS Profiles.
The 10 best states for jobs
Boston.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
10. Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 15Economic market rank: 8Median household income: $83,504Median home sale price: $570,000
9. Maine
Portland, Maine.
PTAP Aerial/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 2Economic market rank: 31Median household income: $76,442Median home sale price: $396,400
8. North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 13Economic market rank: 9Median household income: $77,871Median home sale price: $297,100
7. Texas
Dallas.
adamkaz/Getty Images
Job market rank: 18Economic market rank: 2Median household income: $79,721Median home sale price: $339,100
6. South Dakota
Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 10Economic market rank: 7Median household income: $76,881Median home sale price: $325,700
5. New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 7Economic market rank: 12Median household income: $99,782Median home sale price: $509,900
4. Vermont
Stowe, Vermont.
Nicholas Klein/Getty Images
Job market rank: 5Economic market rank: 17Median household income: $82,730Median home sale price: $427,600
3. Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 8Economic market rank: 4Median household income: $87,117Median home sale price: $363,300
2. Connecticut
New Haven, Connecticut
f11photo/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 4Economic market rank: 15Median household income: $96,049Median home listing price: $461,800
1. Massachusetts
Boston.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 1Economic market rank: 22Median household income: $104,828Median home sale price: $639,100
The 10 worst states for jobs
Charleston, West Virginia.
Richard Nowitz/Getty Images
10. Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Economic market rank: 38Median household income: $66,148Median home sale price: $252,900
9. Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jeremy Poland/Getty Images
Job market rank: 44Economic market rank: 36Median household income: $71,959Median home sale price: $276,200
8. Montana
Helena, Montana.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Job market rank: 40Economic market rank: 41Median household income: $75,340Median home sale price: $547,000
7. Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
photosounds/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 29Economic market rank: 48Median household income: $77,545Median home sale price: $306,200
6. North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 46Economic market rank: 37Median household income: $73,958Median home sale price: $379,500
5. Oregon
Portland, Oregon.
Jesper A/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 27Economic market rank: 50Median household income: $85,220Median home sale price: $507,800
4. Alaska
Juneau, Alaska.
Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 48Economic market rank: 30Median household income: $95,665Median home sale price: $401,800
3. Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 35Economic market rank: 49Median household income: $64,526Median home sale price: $270,500
2. Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana.
Cavan-Images/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 49Economic market rank: 43Median household income: $60,986Median home sale price: $253,000
1. West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Job market rank: 50Economic market rank: 44Median household income: $60,798Median home sale price: $239,800
প্রকাশিত: 2025-11-01 19:02:00
