Unemployment by US State [Map]
Where jobs are plentiful (hello, South Dakota) — and where they’re not (we're looking at you California).
Hello Eggsters — This week we’re looking at US States where jobs are plentiful, and where finding work may take more hustle.
We’ve mapped the latest unemployment rates in each US state.
Some places have jobs sprouting like spring grass. Others? Let’s just say the “Help Wanted” signs aren’t getting much action. Let’s take a look at the map.
Map of the Week
Unemployment Rate (%) by US State.
Each state is shaded by its unemployment rate from low unemployment in blue (good) and high unemployment in red (bad).
Crack It Open
Top of the leaderboard (low unemployment - jobs for all):
South Dakota’s practically allergic to unemployment at 1.8%. North Dakota (2.5%) and Vermont (2.6%) follow close behind. These are the economic overachievers, with steady industries keeping workers busy year-round.
Middle of the road:
States like Florida (3.4%), Texas (4.0%), and New York (4.3%) are hovering near the national average (4.1%). Jobs aren’t scarce, but competition can still be tough in certain sectors.
Trouble zone:
The District of Columbia leads the pack — in the wrong way — at 5.9%. California and Nevada (both 5.4%) are also feeling the pinch, driven by tech layoffs, tourism swings, and pricey living costs.
Small shock:
Montana sits in the low-unemployment club at 2.8%, but has one of the highest year-over-year jumps in rate — proof that even healthy job markets can catch a chill.