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Where It’s Easiest—and Hardest—to Find a Job Now

2 min read

Nov 5, 2025 9:11:36 AM

If you’re job hunting, where you live still matters. South Dakota leads the U.S. in job‑finding ease, while a handful of large states remain more challenging, according to the latest state snapshots from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Job market dynamics represented through geographical symbolism

What The Data Shows

BLS state unemployment figures for July 2025, paired with June 2025 state job openings (JOLTS) data, sketch a clear divide. South Dakota’s unemployment rate was 1.9% in July 2025, the nation’s lowest, with Vermont (2.6%) and North Dakota (2.5%) also near rock bottom. At the other end, the District of Columbia posted the highest jobless rate at 6.0% (not a state), followed by California (5.5%) and Nevada (5.4%).

10 States Looking Strong

Using unemployment as a practical proxy for job‑finding ease, the most favorable markets in July included South Dakota, North Dakota, Vermont, Hawaii, Montana, Nebraska, Alabama, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin (all at 3.1% or lower). These states pair tight labor markets with relatively stable hiring, giving applicants better odds and faster callbacks. Openings data add nuance: West Virginia, for example, posted the highest job openings rate in June, signaling plentiful listings even if its unemployment rate (3.7%) wasn’t among the very lowest.

10 States Facing Headwinds

Among states (excluding D.C.), job seekers faced tougher odds in California (5.5%), Nevada (5.4%), Michigan (5.3%), Oregon (5.0%), Ohio (5.0%), New Jersey (4.9%), Kentucky (4.9%), Massachusetts (4.8%), Rhode Island (4.8%), and Illinois (4.6%). In these markets, more applicants are competing for each opening, and searches can take longer—particularly in interest‑sensitive sectors or industries still normalizing after pandemic‑era swings. California’s jobless rate held at 5.5% into late summer, underscoring persistent friction even amid large, diverse economies.

What To Watch

State job markets shift monthly. JOLTS figures show where postings are most abundant, while unemployment captures how many people are still looking. Taken together, they’re a practical guide for relocators and remote workers weighing options. West Virginia’s June job openings rate led the nation, while Washington had the lowest openings rate, reminding job seekers that conditions can diverge by measure and month. Keep an eye on the next BLS state releases to see whether late‑year hiring stabilizes or slows further.