Find a Job You Really Want In
What is the leading cause of stress in your life? If you look at any survey, jobs consistently top the list.
Now, imagine living with minimal stress when it comes to your job situation… sounds appealing, right?
We share that sentiment, which led us to explore which cities offer the best job opportunities. Specifically, we’re focusing on identifying the top city for jobs in each state.
To answer this, we conducted a thorough analysis and evaluated various criteria to pinpoint the best city for employment across all 50 states.
Here are the 10 best cities for jobs in 2026:
Upon seeing this list, you might be wondering where some of these places even are. We understand—some of these cities may not be on everyone’s radar.
However, each of these cities has unique attributes that contribute to their ranking, and we’re here to break those down for you.
How We Determined the Best City for Jobs in Each State
We leveraged recently updated data from the American Community Survey (ACS), focusing on metrics such as:
- Unemployment rates
- Median income
- Home-to-income ratio
Additionally, we analyzed the latest unemployment statistics and income levels to ensure our rankings reflect current conditions.
Using this comprehensive approach, we ranked every city across all 50 states to identify the top city for jobs.
Before diving into our full list of best cities for jobs in each state, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 cities:
The 10 Best Cities for Jobs in Each State for 2026
1. Eureka, MO
Population: 10,554
Median Income: $102,809
Unemployment Rate: 1.9%
Located in the serene hills of southwest Missouri, Eureka combines a charming small-town vibe with the amenities of a St. Louis suburb. Its beautiful parks, affordable housing, and low crime rates make it an ideal place to live and work.
With a continuous decline in unemployment rates and a median income surpassing $100,000, Eureka, MO tops our list.
Population: 11,386
Median Income: $131,658
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Campton Hills, IL is a suburb of Chicago offering a village-like atmosphere, providing residents with excellent job opportunities, generous benefits, and competitive salaries, all while maintaining a low unemployment rate.
Population: 10,424
Median Income: $122,039
Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
Bothell East, WA boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates nationally, solidifying its status as a top city for employment in Washington.
Part of a larger metropolitan area, its proximity to Seattle further enhances job accessibility.
Population: 11,720
Median Income: $130,509
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
The Pinery, CO is situated in a wealthy county known for its high median household income. Located between Denver and Colorado Springs, it offers both job opportunities and access to scenic state parks, making it a desirable area for working professionals.
Population: 24,236
Median Income: $161,553
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
North Potomac, MD, just 20 miles from Washington, D.C., offers a perfect balance of proximity to high-paying jobs while avoiding the hustle of the capital. The area is known for its low unemployment and high median income.
Population: 24,181
Median Income: $99,989
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
Hawaii is often viewed as an expensive place to live, yet Ewa Gentry offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the island lifestyle with a low unemployment rate and decent salaries, making it an attractive option for many.
7. West University Place, TX
Population: 15,477
Median Income: $243,226
Unemployment Rate: 2.2%
As a suburb of Houston, West University Place, TX features one of the highest median incomes in the nation at $243,226, showcasing the wealth of job opportunities available.
Population: 19,107
Median Income: $95,309
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Sherwood, OR is a picturesque suburb of Portland, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant job market. With a low unemployment rate and affordable housing, it stands out as an excellent location for work.
Population: 12,177
Median Income: $123,110
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Babylon Village, located about 25 miles from New York City, is known for its vibrant dining and shopping scene. Its combination of low unemployment rates, high median income, and proximity to the city make it a top choice for job seekers.
Population: 11,209
Median Income: $123,092
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Greentree, NJ, while more of a township than a city, ranks as the best place for jobs in New Jersey due to its favorable economic conditions, including high median income and low unemployment rates.
Conclusion: Best Cities for Jobs in Each State for 2026
A significant number of these cities are suburbs of major metropolitan areas, which is not surprising. Job opportunities tend to be more abundant in larger cities, and our findings reflect this trend.
The cities on our list not only provide insight into job availability and income potential but also offer a glimpse into the lifestyle and affordability each location can provide.
Thinking about relocating to one of these cities? Explore which city in your state offers the best job opportunities for you!
What’s The Best City For Jobs In Each State?
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eureka, MO | 10,554 |
| 2 | Campton Hills, IL | 11,386 |
| 3 | Bothell East, WA | 10,424 |
| 4 | The Pinery, CO | 11,720 |
| 5 | North Potomac, MD | 24,236 |
| 6 | Ewa Gentry, HI | 24,181 |
| 7 | West University Place, TX | 15,477 |
| 8 | Sherwood, OR | 19,107 |
| 9 | Babylon, NY | 12,177 |
| 10 | Greentree, NJ | 11,209 |
| 11 | Westport, CT | 27,777 |
| 12 | Broadview Heights, OH | 19,262 |
| 13 | Lutz, FL | 21,448 |
| 14 | Big Lake, MN | 10,516 |
| 15 | James Island, SC | 11,908 |
| 16 | Brookline, MA | 59,246 |
| 17 | Clayton, CA | 11,838 |
| 18 | Oregon, WI | 10,033 |
| 19 | Wyndham, VA | 10,334 |
| 20 | Davidson, NC | 12,325 |
| 21 | Grimes, IA | 11,139 |
| 22 | Lehi, UT | 58,351 |
| 23 | Hockessin, DE | 13,672 |
| 24 | Granger, IN | 30,717 |
| 25 | Upper St. Clair, PA | 19,524 |
| 26 | Chalco, NE | 11,209 |
| 27 | Glenpool, OK | 12,929 |
| 28 | Kuna, ID | 17,590 |
| 29 | Druid Hills, GA | 13,895 |
| 30 | Byram, MS | 11,660 |
| 31 | Germantown, TN | 39,230 |
| 32 | River Ridge, LA | 13,809 |
| 33 | Spanish Springs, NV | 16,458 |
| 34 | Lebanon, NH | 13,544 |
| 35 | Berkley, MI | 15,269 |
| 36 | Jackson, WY | 10,413 |
| 37 | Newton, KS | 18,972 |
| 38 | Newport, RI | 24,745 |
| 39 | Fairhope, AL | 19,561 |
| 40 | Anthem, AZ | 22,980 |
| 41 | Bentonville, AR | 44,601 |
| 42 | Jamestown, ND | 15,367 |
| 43 | Kalispell, MT | 21,992 |
| 44 | Carlsbad, NM | 28,393 |
| 45 | Shelbyville, KY | 15,318 |
| 46 | Portland, ME | 66,715 |
| 47 | Teays Valley, WV | 13,805 |
| 48 | South Burlington, VT | 18,773 |
| 49 | Pierre, SD | 13,974 |
| 50 | Badger, AK | 19,039 |
| 51 | Washington, DC | 672,391 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
