The national average unemployment rate in the United States, as of December 2023, is 3.5%. However, there are places where the rate is even lower. Continue reading to discover 25 locations offering abundant job opportunities across various industries.

The unemployment rate mentioned here is accurate as of December 2023, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Burlington-South Burlington, VT

Burlington-South Burlington has the lowest unemployment rate in the US at 1.6%. This metropolitan area benefits from a diverse economy. It includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The University of Vermont and other colleges supply an educated workforce.

Fargo, ND-MN

Fargo has the second-lowest unemployment rate at 1.7%. Major employers include manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and tech. Microsoft, John Deere, and Sanford Health have operations in Fargo. The city has an affordable cost of living, low crime, and good public services.

Manhattan, KS

Manhattan’s unemployment rate stands at 1.7% as well. Kansas State University provides a steady workforce. Major industries are education, the military, and agriculture. Fort Riley, animal health corporations, and food processing plants supply many jobs. 

Bismarck, ND

Energy, medical, education, and government jobs fuel Bismarck’s low unemployment rate of 1.8%. Large employers include the state government and Sanford Health. Major employers include energy production, Bismarck Public Schools, and the University of Mary.

Grand Forks, ND-MN

Grand Forks maintains a low 1.8% unemployment rate. The University of North Dakota provides skilled workers. Grand Forks Air Force Base also offers skilled workers. Major industries are education, military, manufacturing and agriculture.

Lawrence, KS

Lawrence’s unemployment rate is 1.8%. The University of Kansas supplies graduates and staff. Leading industries include education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech. 

Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls enjoys a low unemployment rate of 1.8%. Strong industries are healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture. Major employers include Sanford Health, Citigroup, Smithfield Foods, and Hy-Vee.

Ames, IA

Ames has an unemployment rate of 1.9%. The famous Iowa State University drives education, research, technology, and agriculture growth. The city offers opportunities in sciences, engineering, and skilled trades. Ames provides a stable job market and a good quality of life.

California-Lexington Park, MD

This metro area has 1.9% unemployment. Major employers are the military, government, and private aerospace contractors. Patuxent Naval Air Station provides defense jobs. Stable federal funding supports the job market.

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Baltimore’s unemployment rate is 2.0%. Major industries include healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing and technology. Johns Hopkins University and health systems use many. Baltimore offers opportunities in growing engineering, biotech, and cybersecurity fields.

Iowa City, IA

Iowa City’s unemployment rate stands at 2.0%. The University of Iowa supplies graduates and staff. Major industries are education, healthcare, insurance, and tech. Iowa City provides job stability in medicine, sciences, and research. The educated workforce brings development.

Madison, WI

Madison also has a 2.0% unemployment rate. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the state government anchor the economy. Major industries include education, healthcare, insurance, biotech, and clean energy. High-tech and life sciences drive growth.

Mankato-North Mankato, MN

We also have Mankato whose unemployment rate stands at 2.0%. Education and manufacturing are top industries. Minnesota State University and major companies like Dotson Iron Castings supply jobs. Mankato employs across diverse sectors.

Rapid City, SD

Rapid City has 2.0% unemployment. Key industries are tourism, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers include Ellsworth Air Force Base. Rapid City Regional Hospital and Black Hills State University are also major employers.

Rochester, MN

Rochester’s unemployment rate is 2.0%. Education and healthcare anchor the economy. Mayo Clinic is the largest employer, with over 76,000 staff. Rochester offers high-skilled jobs in medicine, research, and technology.

Topeka, KS

Topeka has 2.0% unemployment. Major employers are the state government, education, manufacturing, and security firms. Fort Leavenworth provides military and federal jobs. Topeka’s major industries contribute to low unemployment.

Columbia, MO

Colombia’s unemployment rate is 2.1%. The University of Missouri powers growth in education and healthcare. Major employers include the university, hospitals, and public schools. Columbia provides stability in these sectors.

Decatur, AL

Decatur’s unemployment rate stands at 2.1%. Major industries are manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Top employers include 3M, BP Chemicals, Daikin, and Decatur Morgan Hospital. Decatur offers a variety of steady jobs.

Lincoln, NE

Lincoln’s unemployment is 2.1%. The state government and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provide many jobs. Major industries include education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Lincoln offers economic opportunities across sectors.

Logan, UT-ID

Logan’s unemployment rate is 2.1%. Utah State University powers education, research, and healthcare jobs. High-tech and manufacturing firms also employ many. Logan provides stability in diverse professional fields.

Midland, TX

Midland maintains 2.1% unemployment. The oil industry drives economic activity. Other growing sectors include aerospace, healthcare, and corporate services. Midland offers abundant energy and professional jobs.

Sheboygan, WI

Sheboygan’s unemployment rate is 2.1%. Major employers are manufacturing, healthcare, and education systems. Kohler Co., Johnsonville Sausage, Fresh Interiors, and Memorial Hospital provide steady jobs. 

Fond du Lac, WI

Fond du Lac has 2.2% unemployment. Key industries are manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Mercury Marine, Moraine Park Technical College, and Agnesian HealthCare are top employers. 

Gainesville, GA

Gainesville’s unemployment rate is 2.2%. Poultry processing and healthcare are major employers. The Northeast Georgia Medical Center provides over 5,000 jobs. Stable manufacturing and medical sectors contribute to low unemployment.

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg has 2.2% unemployment. Tourism, education, manufacturing, and healthcare drive the economy. Major employers include Gettysburg College, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, and MCC Corp. Gettysburg offers year-round jobs across diverse sectors.