List of U.S. states by employment rate

The List of U.S. states by employment rate provides an overview of the employment statistics across the United States. The employment rate, often referred to as the employment-to-population ratio, is a measure of the proportion of a country's working-age population that is employed. This list ranks the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia based on their employment rates, which can be indicative of the economic health of each state.

Overview

The employment rate is an important indicator used by economists to assess the economic performance of a region. It measures the percentage of people aged 16 and over who are employed, which provides insights into the labor market and economic activity in different states. The data for these statistics is primarily sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which regularly publishes updates on employment figures across various sectors and demographics.

List of States by Employment Rate

The following is a list of states sorted by their employment rate from highest to lowest. This data is typically updated annually and can fluctuate based on a variety of economic factors, including economic recessions, industry shifts, and changes in population.

Rank	State	Employment Rate (%)
1	Minnesota	68.8
2	Iowa	67.7
3	New Hampshire	67.3
4	North Dakota	67.0
5	Nebraska	66.8
...	California	56.0
51	West Virginia	49.4

Factors Influencing Employment Rates

Several factors can influence the employment rates in different states:

• Economic policy at both the state and federal level
• The presence of key industries, such as technology, manufacturing, and service industries
• Educational attainment and the availability of skilled labor
• Demographic trends, including age distributions and migration patterns

Implications of Employment Rates

High employment rates are generally seen as positive, indicating robust economic activity and a healthy labor market. Conversely, lower employment rates may signal economic challenges, such as high levels of unemployment or underemployment. Policymakers use these statistics to formulate economic strategies and interventions aimed at boosting employment.

See Also

• List of U.S. states by GDP
• List of U.S. states by unemployment rate
• Economy of the United States