Fresh BLS data shows which states are currently the easiest—and hardest—places to land a job, offering a clear snapshot of how local labor markets stack up across the country.
Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent state-by-state unemployment table (July 2025), the lowest jobless rates—and therefore the strongest odds for job seekers—were in: South Dakota (1.9%), North Dakota (2.5%), Vermont (2.6%), Hawaii (2.7%), Montana (2.8%), Alabama (3.0%), Nebraska (3.0%), New Hampshire (3.1%), Oklahoma (3.1%), and Wisconsin (3.1%). South Dakota’s jobless rate sits at just 1.9%, the lowest among states.
On the other end, the highest unemployment rates were in: California (5.5%), Nevada (5.4%), Michigan (5.3%), Ohio (5.0%), Oregon (5.0%), New Jersey (4.9%), Kentucky (4.9%), Massachusetts (4.8%), Alaska (4.8%), and Rhode Island (4.8%). California currently has the highest state unemployment rate at 5.5%. (Washington, D.C., at 6.0%, is higher than any state but is excluded from these state rankings.)
Methodology note: Rankings are based on seasonally adjusted state unemployment rates for July 2025 from the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics program. “Best” corresponds to the lowest unemployment rates, a straightforward gauge of how quickly job seekers may find work.
State labor markets often reflect their industry mix and demographics. Smaller, fast-growing Plains and Mountain states tend to post very low unemployment in part because of tight labor pools and steady demand. Larger, more diverse economies sometimes show higher jobless rates when cyclical sectors—like technology, entertainment, or manufacturing—soften. These differences can persist even when the national picture looks stable.
Openings remain plentiful but off peak levels. BLS data show U.S. job openings holding around 7.2 million in August 2025, signaling continued demand but slower churn than a year ago. Job openings totaled about 7.2 million in August, while June 2025 state data highlighted stark variation: West Virginia had one of the highest job openings rates (6.0%) and Washington the lowest (3.7%). In short, even if a state’s unemployment rate is low, the ease of landing the right role can still hinge on local openings by industry.
Expect rankings to evolve as monthly releases arrive. For job seekers, this means keeping an eye on both the headline jobless rate and where openings are concentrated—especially in your field and metro area.