A new report by the financial technology company WalletHub shows that access to good jobs is often determined by where you live. In its “Best & Worst States for Jobs” report, WalletHub said there are specific states that seem to offer workers more economic stability and opportunity.
WalletHub analyzed all 50 states and looked at their levels of job opportunities, employment growth, and job security, while factoring in median annual income, commute times, and the tax burden on low- to middle-income earners.
Among the report’s top 10 performing states, places like Nebraska, North Dakota, and Minnesota have few Black residents. Tennessee and Texas have Black populations of 16.76% and 13.27%. According to the U.S. Census, New Hampshire — the fifth top state for jobs — has a Black population of 2.1% to 2.63%. Maine, which is ranked number seven, has a Black population of 2.64% to 2.9%.
The states with the roughest job markets tend to have the highest percentages of Black residents. Mississippi, which ranks near the bottom, has a Black population of 37.92%. Louisiana follows closely at 33.04%. The “best” jobs in America are in areas where fewer Blacks live, while those in states with large Black populations are fighting for employment in increasingly stagnant markets.
In the top-performing states, workers are more likely to see economic rewards for their efforts. In Minnesota, which ranks third overall, the median household income is almost $88,000 (adjusted for cost of living) and the average monthly starting salary is close to $4,000. Nebraska, the top-ranked state, has an unemployment rate of just 3% and has the fourth-highest paid internships in the nation.
People face higher unemployment and lower job security in the worst-performing states for jobs — places like West Virginia, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. States like Florida and Michigan also ranked lowest for jobs.
As 2026 comes to an end, the best job opportunities are currently in the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Nebraska is gaining jobs, with opportunities in agriculture-tech, manufacturing, insurance, and logistics, while North Dakota offers energy production, drone technology research, and agriculture.
Nebraska’s available jobs are increasing by 1.2% annually, the fourth-highest rate in the country. Nebraska’s Black population totals 6.56% of the state’s total.
“Living in one of the best states for jobs can provide stable conditions for the long term, helping you ride out the fluctuations that the economy will experience in the future,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst. “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.”
