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PROGRAM SUCCESS – SEPTEMBER 2010
10 States With
Ridiculously Low
Unemployment —
And Why
By Vincent Fernando
Guest Columnist
Every U.S. state experienced job losses during the recent downturn,
but thanks to the right mix of industries, natural resources, and skilled
workers, some states have a far lower unemployment rate than the
9.5% national average. Want to crack the jobs problem? Let’s start by
studying these sources of American strength...
First, a broad look at America’s situation
Unemployment Rate: 9.5%
The economy: Agriculture (1.2% of GDP), Industry (21.9% of GDP),
Services (76.9% of GDP)
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher.
Now, the Top 10 States For Jobs
1. North Dakota: Powered by agriculture and commodities
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 5.9%
Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Agriculture,
petroleum, food processing, and tourism dominate the nation’s most
job-friendly state.
Education: 25.7% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher. (Lower than average)
2. South Dakota: Gets a big boost from government, but also has
services and agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 5.1%
Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: The service sector
(especially retail, health, and finance firms) dominates South
Dakota’s economy, although government-related enterprises also
form a large chunk of the GDP. Ellsworth Air Force Base is the
second-largest single employer here. Agriculture also contributes
heavily to the economy, but its influence is waning.
Education: 25.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher. (Lower than average)
3. Nebraska: An agricultural and transport hub, with some
diversity as well
Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 4.8%
Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Another state reliant
on its agricultural sector, Nebraska also specializes in freight
transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, information
technology, and transportation. And, not to mention, it has the
nation’s third-wealthiest person amidst its GDP rank.
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher. (Average)
4. New Hampshire: Powered by agriculture, tourism,
manufacturing, and a highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.7%
Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Another agricultural
heavyweight (dairy products, cattle, and apples dominate on the list
of products), New Hampshire also produces machinery, electric
equipment, rubber, and plastic products. Due to its famous ski slopes,
the state is also a tourist hub come winter. New Hampshire also
doesn’t have a state income or sales tax and boasts one of the nation’s
highest median salaries.
Education: 32.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher. (Higher than average)
5. Vermont: Driven by agriculture and industries utilizing the
state’s highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 3.5%
Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: Farming (especially
dairy production and logging) is the bread and butter of Vermont’s
economy, although manufacturing, insurance, tourism, and quarrying
are also major players. Vermont’s housing is also quite affordable, as
the state ranks 17th in mortgage affordability nationwide.
Education: 33.6% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or
higher. (Higher than average)