Find a Job You Really Want In
While some cities thrive with abundant job opportunities, low unemployment rates, competitive wages, and affordable housing, others struggle significantly. If you are on the hunt for a new job, it’s crucial to be aware of the worst job markets in the United States in 2026.
Whether you’re concerned about high housing costs or elevated unemployment rates, these locations are best avoided in your job search.
- Montebello, California
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Jacksonville, North Carolina
- Passaic, New Jersey
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Dover, Delaware
- Albany, New York
- Aspen Hill, Maryland
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
High unemployment rates coupled with low salaries are critical factors to consider in your career choices. Check out the table below to see where the most challenging job markets are located.
How We Determined This
To identify the cities with the worst job prospects, we analyzed locations with stagnant or declining wages, elevated unemployment rates, and high housing costs.
Our data is drawn from the latest 5-year Census ACS and compared against previous ACS reports. While unemployment rates may not reflect post-pandemic recovery, they do provide insights into regional economic health. Our analysis focused solely on census-designated areas with a working population exceeding 20,000.
We evaluated each factor equally, selecting the city in each state that presented the bleakest conditions for job seekers.
1. Montebello, California
Perfect conditions for gardening, but not for growing your career.
Average Wage: $27,249
Salary Change: -0.7%
Average Home Price: $492,300
Unemployment Rate: 7.0%
Montebello, known for its favorable gardening climate, unfortunately lacks similar conditions for career growth. With an average wage of $27,249, which has decreased by 0.7%, and an average home price of $492,300, financial challenges abound.
2. Flagstaff, Arizona
A job market as dry as its desert.
Average Wage: $20,928
Salary Change: 3.8%
Average Home Price: $351,600
Unemployment Rate: 7.6%
Flagstaff may be a beautiful destination for tourists, but it offers limited career opportunities. With an average wage of $20,928 and a home price averaging $351,600, the prospects for new residents are daunting, especially with an unemployment rate of 7.6%.
3. Jacksonville, North Carolina
The Marine Corps base that doesn’t provide a solid career foundation.
Average Wage: $24,373
Salary Change: 0.8%
Average Home Price: $154,900
Unemployment Rate: 11.2%
Jacksonville, North Carolina offers opportunities primarily for the Marine Corps, but the rest of the job market is lacking. With an average wage of $24,373 and an unemployment rate of 11.2%, homeownership at an average price of $154,900 remains a distant dream for many.
4. Passaic, New Jersey
A quiet town filled with mansions yet lacking career opportunities.
Average Wage: $25,563
Salary Change: 1.4%
Average Home Price: $332,700
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Passaic, known for its beautiful mansions, unfortunately does not translate that wealth into job opportunities. Despite a salary increase of 1.4%, the average wage remains at $25,563, while homes average $332,700.
5. Bridgeport, Connecticut
A historic seaport that is a delightful visit but not a place for career growth.
Average Wage: $26,969
Salary Change: 1.1%
Average Home Price: $174,700
Unemployment Rate: 12.5%
While Bridgeport’s historic seaport is charming, it falls short in providing job opportunities, with an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The average wage is only $26,969, making it challenging for residents to afford the average home priced at $174,700.
6. Lawrence, Massachusetts
A city with a long history of a poor job market.
Average Wage: $26,786
Salary Change: 3.2%
Average Home Price: $271,100
Unemployment Rate: 9.3%
Lawrence, Massachusetts has historically struggled with its job market, a challenge that persists today. With an average wage of $26,786 and a 9.3% unemployment rate, opportunities remain limited despite a recent salary increase of 3.2%.
7. Dover, Delaware
A town known for NASCAR racing but with a job market in the slow lane.
Average Wage: $23,575
Salary Change: -3.8%
Average Home Price: $175,300
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Dover may be recognized for its lively NASCAR events, but its job market is lackluster. The average wage stands at $23,575, down 3.8%, and with an unemployment rate of 6.2%, finding suitable employment can be challenging.
8. Albany, New York
The capital city of New York is not living up to its potential job-wise.
Average Wage: $27,235
Salary Change: -2.4%
Average Home Price: $179,100
Unemployment Rate: 7.0%
Although Albany is the capital of New York, it struggles to provide a strong job market. An average wage of $27,235, combined with a 7% unemployment rate and an average home price of $179,100, paints a discouraging picture for job seekers.
9. Aspen Hill, Maryland
A picturesque area that poses challenges for career advancement.
Average Wage: $36,166
Salary Change: -0.5%
Average Home Price: $423,300
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Aspen Hill offers beautiful trails and outdoor activities, but the job market is less inviting. The average wage is $36,166, the highest on this list; however, it’s still insufficient to afford homes priced at $423,300.
10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The second-largest city in Louisiana faces a challenging job market.
Average Wage: $25,710
Salary Change: 1.9%
Average Home Price: $174,000
Unemployment Rate: 8.4%
Baton Rouge is known for its rich history and vibrant culture, but it struggles with a tough job market. The unemployment rate stands at 8.4%, and with an average wage of $25,710, homeownership at an average price of $174,000 remains a challenge.
The 10 Worst Job Markets in 2026
From scenic views to rich history, these cities showcase unique features that might attract visitors. However, when it comes to job prospects, they may not be the best places to settle down.
While some locations are perfect for unforgettable vacations, they might not provide a sustainable living environment for career-oriented individuals. The following cities exemplify these challenging circumstances.
The Worst Job Markets in America
| State | City | Average Wage | Salary Change | Average Home Price | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Tuscaloosa | $22,237 | 2.4% | $178,900 | 6.7% |
| Alaska | Anchorage | $42,300 | 2.5% | $314,800 | 5.7% |
| Arizona | Flagstaff | $20,928 | 3.8% | $351,600 | 7.6% |
| Arkansas | Fayetteville | $27,221 | 1.7% | $131,000 | 9.1% |
| California | Montebello | $27,249 | -0.7% | $492,300 | 7.0% |
| Colorado | Pueblo | $26,500 | 2.3% | $141,000 | 8.4% |
| Connecticut | Bridgeport | $26,969 | 1.1% | $174,700 | 12.5% |
| Delaware | Dover | $23,575 | -3.8% | $175,300 | 6.2% |
| Florida | Miami Gardens | $26,436 | 1.8% | $190,200 | 7.7% |
| Georgia | Albany | $27,235 | -2.4% | $179,100 | 7.0% |
| Hawaii | Hilo | $32,446 | 1.9% | $329,200 | 5.8% |
| Idaho | Caldwell | $25,938 | 3.5% | $152,400 | 6.8% |
| Illinois | Rockford | $26,459 | 0.4% | $91,600 | 10.7% |
| Indiana | Terre Haute | $20,393 | 1.4% | $78,700 | 9.0% |
| Iowa | Iowa City | $20,435 | -1.3% | $215,100 | 4.7% |
| Kansas | Manhattan | $17,863 | -0.8% | $209,700 | 5.2% |
| Kentucky | Bowling Green | $20,568 | 0.0% | $161,000 | 5.5% |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge | $25,710 | 1.9% | $174,000 | 8.4% |
| Maine | Portland | $38,811 | 8.2% | $412,000 | 4.8% |
| Maryland | Aspen Hill | $36,166 | -0.5% | $423,300 | 6.0% |
| Massachusetts | Lawrence | $26,786 | 3.2% | $271,100 | 9.3% |
| Michigan | East Lansing | $6,817 | 3.6% | $192,800 | 8.6% |
| Minnesota | Duluth | $26,387 | 2.5% | $163,300 | 4.4% |
| Mississippi | Biloxi | $26,182 | 2.2% | $161,700 | 8.0% |
| Missouri | Florissant | $33,559 | -2.9% | $97,600 | 8.6% |
| Montana | Missoula | $23,600 | 0.7% | $279,700 | 4.9% |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | $31,074 | 3.4% | $169,800 | 3.4% |
| Nevada | Paradise | $30,414 | 1.5% | $239,400 | 6.9% |
| New Hampshire | Manchester | $36,275 | 4.3% | $227,600 | 4.9% |
| New Jersey | Passaic | $25,563 | 1.4% | $332,700 | 5.3% |
| New Mexico | Farmington | $30,478 | -2.9% | $186,800 | 6.5% |
| New York | Albany | $27,235 | -2.4% | $179,100 | 7.0% |
| North Carolina | Jacksonville | $24,373 | 0.8% | $154,900 | 11.2% |
| North Dakota | Grand Forks | $28,534 | 6.7% | $210,300 | 4.2% |
| Ohio | Youngstown | $19,851 | 2.8% | $44,800 | 14.3% |
| Oklahoma | Lawton | $25,892 | 0.2% | $112,800 | 8.2% |
| Oregon | Corvallis | $19,464 | 5.0% | $330,500 | 6.0% |
| Pennsylvania | Allentown | $24,891 | 2.8% | $131,300 | 10.0% |
| Rhode Island | Woonsocket | $31,998 | 2.7% | $173,300 | 7.9% |
| South Carolina | Columbia | $22,445 | 4.1% | $181,100 | 6.7% |
| South Dakota | Rapid City | $29,926 | 3.6% | $184,700 | 5.7% |
| Tennessee | Cleveland | $25,385 | -0.2% | $171,500 | 4.8% |
| Texas | Port Arthur | $27,146 | -0.3% | $65,800 | 7.3% |
| Utah | Provo | $14,750 | 2.9% | $271,300 | 4.6% |
| Vermont | Burlington | $19,740 | 0.7% | $284,500 | 4.3% |
| Virginia | Norfolk | $28,145 | 2.7% | $206,700 | 7.6% |
| Washington | Lacey | $37,274 | 0.8% | $262,500 | 5.9% |
| West Virginia | Huntington | $21,415 | 4.7% | $98,200 | 6.8% |
| Wisconsin | Kenosha | $31,324 | 2.4% | $152,500 | 6.9% |
| Wyoming | Casper | $36,439 | 1.8% | $207,400 | 3.8% |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
