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States Where the Unemployment Rate Is at an All-Time Low

Check out which states are at a historical low for unemployment.
By Alexandria Bova Understanding the Economy

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Boston, Massachusetts, USA - May 1, 2017: Evening view of the Piers Park brick walkway located in the East Boston neighborhood.
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As of November 2019, the U.S. unemployment rate was at 3.5%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The last time it was this low was almost half a century ago in December 1969. Goldman Sachs predicts the unemployment rate will drop even lower to 3.25% nationwide by the end of 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate can serve as a convenient barometer for the current strength of the economy. But what does this mean for potential job opportunities?

This is a good time to be on the job hunt, as a healthy unemployment rate generally indicates employers will raise wages and compete to hire new workers. According to The New York Times, employers added 266,000 jobs in November. The BLS reports unemployment data every month, which has shown a steady decrease within the past decade. Nine states are currently sitting at record-low unemployment rates.

To find out which states had the lowest unemployment rates across the country, GOBankingRates analyzed October 2019 seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates sourced from the BLS and compiled each state’s October 2009 unemployment rate. GOBankingRates also provided the historic low unemployment rate and current median household income in each state. With unemployment rates at an all-time low, these are the states where job seekers should consider relocating.

Last updated: Dec. 17, 2019 

Church Street market at night with people walking during springtime in Burlington, Vermont.
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1. Vermont

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,782

Afraid of a Recession? Get One of These 12 Jobs

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of the Fargo Theatre along Broadway N in the Downtown Historic District.
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2. North Dakota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $63,837
A chair lift brings skiers to top of ski slopes of Deer Valley Ski Resort, near Park City and The Canyons.
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3. Utah

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 2007
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $71,414
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA - February 2, 2013: People walking in the Old Town pedestrian zone of Fort Collins, Colorado at night.
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4. Colorado

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $71,953

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

DES MOINES, IOWA - JULY 11, 2018: Des Moines, Iowa Skyline from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
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5. Iowa

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,955
This is a panorama view of Claremont, New Hampshire, New England.
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6. New Hampshire

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 1988
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,991
Downtown Greenville, SC South Carolina Skyline Cityscape at Sunrise.
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7. South Carolina

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $52,306

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

Market Square and City Hall at night, in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
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Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

8. Virginia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: November 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $72,577
Maui, Hawaii, USA - March 15, 2012: People paddle outrigger canoes off the beach at sunrise.
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jimfeng / Getty Images

9. Hawaii

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.7%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: November 2017
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $80,212
Huntsville, Alabama, USA park and downtown cityscape at twilight.
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10. Alabama

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $49,861

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

Portland, Maine, USA skyline from above at twilight in winter.
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11. Maine

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,602

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

View of Downtown Boise.
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12. Idaho

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 2.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,583
Boston, Massachusetts, USA downtown cityscape.
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13. Massachusetts

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $79,835
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 3, 2019: Daytime view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.
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14. South Dakota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,274
Wichita, Kansas, USA - Augusst 31, 2018: The confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River at the Keeper of the Plains near downtown Wichita at dawn.
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Sean Pavone / Getty Images

15. Kansas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 1978
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,218
Kansas City, Missouri, USA – Aug.
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16. Missouri

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $54,478
Nebraska-Omaha
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17. Nebraska

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 4.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 1990
  • Historical low rate: 2.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,566
St Augustine Florida downtown
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18. Florida

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 2006
  • Historical low rate: 3.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,462
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - April 10, 2015: People walk across the White River Trail bridge in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Joel Carillet / Getty Images

19. Indiana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,746
St Paul downtown skyline at sunset during christmas.
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20. Minnesota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 1999
  • Historical low rate: 2.5%
  • Median household income in 2018: $70,315
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA - September 22, 2013: People walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk in NJ on September 22, 2013.
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21. New Jersey

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: September 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $81,740
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA cityscape in Bricktown at dusk.
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22. Oklahoma

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: December 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $51,924
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA - Historic Old World Third Street, one of the hubs of Milwaukee’s nightlife.
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23. Wisconsin

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,773
Atlanta, Georgia, USA – July 26, 2015: Sunset panoramic aerial view of Atlanta skyline, with the Westin Peachtree Plaza skyscraper at its center, with a mobile sculpture of the SkyLounge rooftop terra - Image.
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24. Georgia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,756

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

View of Missoula from Mount Sentinel, in Missoula, Montana.
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25. Montana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 2007
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,328
Nashville,TN Dawn Aerial.
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26. Tennessee

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $52,375
San Antonio, Texas, USA cityscape at the River Walk.
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Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

27. Texas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,629

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA - December 18th 2010: River Rail Trolley in the River Market District transports locals and tourists between Little Rock and North Little Rock.
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plherrera / Getty Images

28. Arkansas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,062
Cars wait at a stop light next to Center Church in downtown Hartford Connecticut on a sunny day.
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29. Connecticut

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $76,348
Annapolis, Maryland - State, Harbor, Color Image, Commercial Dock.
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30. Maryland

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: January 2008
  • Historical low rate: 3.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $83,242
Providence is the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island.
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31. Rhode Island

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 1988
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $64,340
View of buildings along 11th Street at sunset in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, from the City Center Parking Garage.
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32. Delaware

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.7%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 1988
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $64,805
Casper, Wyoming, USA - April 30, 2019: Evening view of 2nd Street in the heart of historic downtown Casper.
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DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

33. Wyoming

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 1979
  • Historical low rate: 2.5%
  • Median household income in 2018: $61,584
Los Angeles, California, USA - July 7th, 2016: Visitors at one of LA's landmark the "Urban Light" by Chris Burden which is a well-known installation in at LACMA.
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CORALIMAGES / Getty Images

34. California

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $75,277

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

People visiting Chicago at dusk.
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xavierarnau / Getty Images

35. Illinois

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $65,030

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

Washington square park aerial view New York City.
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36. New York

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $67,844
Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, USA Skyline Aerial.
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Kruck20 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

37. North Carolina

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 1999
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $53,855
Downtown Lansing skyline buildings with Grand River and building reflections.
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Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

38. Michigan

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 14.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 10 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 2000
  • Historical low rate: 3.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,697
Aerial view of Las Vegas strip at sunrise on July 24, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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lucky-photographer / Getty Images

39. Nevada

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 12.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 8.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 1999
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,646
Eugene, Oregon, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.
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40. Oregon

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $63,426
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 18, 2017: Findlay Market is a trendy farmer's marketplace in the historic Over the Rhine district in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

41. Ohio

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 2001
  • Historical low rate: 3.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,111
Pedestrians relax on John F.
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42. Pennsylvania

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,905
The old City Hall in downtown Louisville, Kentucky USA.
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43. Kentucky

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.3 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $50,247
tourists in French Quarter in New Orleans Lousisana
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benedek / Getty Images

44. Louisiana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 2.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2007
  • Historical low rate: 4.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,905
Seattle, Washington, USA downtown skyline at night with Mt.
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Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

45. Washington

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 4.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,073
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA - March 9, 2019: The City owned iconic Old Town Scottsdale cowboy welcome sign located in the Old Town district.
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DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

46. Arizona

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2007
  • Historical low rate: 3.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,246
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
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Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

47. New Mexico

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3 percentage points
  • Historical low date: September 2007
  • Historical low rate: 3.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,169
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, USA - October 7, 2018 - View of High Street and Lower Town.
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allaalexandra / Shutterstock.com

48. West Virginia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2008
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $44,097
Biloxi, Mississippi, USA at Biloxi Lighthouse.
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Sean Pavone / iStock.com

49. Mississippi

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 5.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: January 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $44,717
Juneau, United Stated - May 17, 2011: Business located along South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau, Alaska.
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Dougall_Photography / Getty Images

50. Alaska

  • Unmployment rate in October 2019: 6.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 6.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,346

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: GOBankingRates looked at all 50 states and ranked them according to (1) their current (October 2019) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data on the employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population from January 1979 to date. GOBankingRates then compiled (2) each state’s unemployment rate in October 2009 (sourced from the BLS’s local area unemployment statistics) to calculate (3) the percentage point decrease in each state’s unemployment rate over the last decade. For each state, GOBankingRates provided supplemental data, including (4) the historical low unemployment rate between January 1979 and October 2019 and (5) when the historical low occurred (both sourced from the BLS’s local area unemployment statistics), as well as (6) the current (2018) median household income according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. All data was compiled on and is up to date as of Dec. 2, 2019.

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Boston, Massachusetts, USA - May 1, 2017: Evening view of the Piers Park brick walkway located in the East Boston neighborhood.
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

As of November 2019, the U.S. unemployment rate was at 3.5%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The last time it was this low was almost half a century ago in December 1969. Goldman Sachs predicts the unemployment rate will drop even lower to 3.25% nationwide by the end of 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate can serve as a convenient barometer for the current strength of the economy. But what does this mean for potential job opportunities?

This is a good time to be on the job hunt, as a healthy unemployment rate generally indicates employers will raise wages and compete to hire new workers. According to The New York Times, employers added 266,000 jobs in November. The BLS reports unemployment data every month, which has shown a steady decrease within the past decade. Nine states are currently sitting at record-low unemployment rates.

To find out which states had the lowest unemployment rates across the country, GOBankingRates analyzed October 2019 seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates sourced from the BLS and compiled each state’s October 2009 unemployment rate. GOBankingRates also provided the historic low unemployment rate and current median household income in each state. With unemployment rates at an all-time low, these are the states where job seekers should consider relocating.

Last updated: Dec. 17, 2019 

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1. Vermont

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,782

Afraid of a Recession? Get One of These 12 Jobs

2. North Dakota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $63,837

3. Utah

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 2007
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $71,414
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4. Colorado

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $71,953

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

5. Iowa

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,955

6. New Hampshire

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 1988
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,991
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7. South Carolina

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $52,306

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

8. Virginia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: November 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $72,577

9. Hawaii

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.7%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: November 2017
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $80,212
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10. Alabama

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $49,861

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

11. Maine

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,602

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

12. Idaho

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 2.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,583
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13. Massachusetts

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 2.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $79,835

14. South Dakota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,274

15. Kansas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 1978
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,218
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16. Missouri

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $54,478

17. Nebraska

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 4.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 1990
  • Historical low rate: 2.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,566

18. Florida

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 2006
  • Historical low rate: 3.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,462
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19. Indiana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.4 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,746

20. Minnesota

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 1999
  • Historical low rate: 2.5%
  • Median household income in 2018: $70,315

21. New Jersey

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: September 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $81,740
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22. Oklahoma

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: December 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $51,924

23. Wisconsin

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 9.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 2019
  • Historical low rate: 2.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,773

24. Georgia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,756

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

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25. Montana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 6.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 2007
  • Historical low rate: 2.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $55,328

26. Tennessee

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $52,375

27. Texas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,629

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

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28. Arkansas

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,062

29. Connecticut

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.5%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2000
  • Historical low rate: 2.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $76,348

30. Maryland

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: January 2008
  • Historical low rate: 3.3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $83,242
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31. Rhode Island

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.6%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 1988
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $64,340

32. Delaware

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.7%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 1988
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $64,805

33. Wyoming

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 1979
  • Historical low rate: 2.5%
  • Median household income in 2018: $61,584
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34. California

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $75,277

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

35. Illinois

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 3.9%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 7.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.9%
  • Median household income in 2018: $65,030

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

36. New York

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $67,844

37. North Carolina

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.9%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: April 1999
  • Historical low rate: 3%
  • Median household income in 2018: $53,855

38. Michigan

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 14.1%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 10 percentage points
  • Historical low date: March 2000
  • Historical low rate: 3.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,697

39. Nevada

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 12.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 8.1 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 1999
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $58,646

40. Oregon

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.1%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 11%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.9 percentage points
  • Historical low date: August 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $63,426

41. Ohio

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: February 2001
  • Historical low rate: 3.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $56,111

42. Pennsylvania

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.4%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.2 percentage points
  • Historical low date: June 2019
  • Historical low rate: 3.8%
  • Median household income in 2018: $60,905

43. Kentucky

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.3%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.6%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6.3 percentage points
  • Historical low date: May 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $50,247

44. Louisiana

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 2.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2007
  • Historical low rate: 4.1%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,905

45. Washington

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 5.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2018
  • Historical low rate: 4.4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,073

46. Arizona

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 6 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2007
  • Historical low rate: 3.6%
  • Median household income in 2018: $59,246

47. New Mexico

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 7.8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3 percentage points
  • Historical low date: September 2007
  • Historical low rate: 3.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $47,169

48. West Virginia

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 4.8%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8.3%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 3.5 percentage points
  • Historical low date: July 2008
  • Historical low rate: 4%
  • Median household income in 2018: $44,097

49. Mississippi

  • Unemployment rate in October 2019: 5.5%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10.2%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 4.7 percentage points
  • Historical low date: January 2019
  • Historical low rate: 4.7%
  • Median household income in 2018: $44,717

50. Alaska

  • Unmployment rate in October 2019: 6.2%
  • Unemployment rate in October 2009: 8%
  • Decrease in unemployment rate: 1.8 percentage points
  • Historical low date: October 2019
  • Historical low rate: 6.2%
  • Median household income in 2018: $74,346

Editor’s note: This unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state.

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: GOBankingRates looked at all 50 states and ranked them according to (1) their current (October 2019) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data on the employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population from January 1979 to date. GOBankingRates then compiled (2) each state’s unemployment rate in October 2009 (sourced from the BLS’s local area unemployment statistics) to calculate (3) the percentage point decrease in each state’s unemployment rate over the last decade. For each state, GOBankingRates provided supplemental data, including (4) the historical low unemployment rate between January 1979 and October 2019 and (5) when the historical low occurred (both sourced from the BLS’s local area unemployment statistics), as well as (6) the current (2018) median household income according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. All data was compiled on and is up to date as of Dec. 2, 2019.

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