Find a Job You Really Want In
Top 10 Cities in Minnesota with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job but love your hometown, you might be considering a new career opportunity nearby. The question is, how challenging will it be to secure a position in your local area? To assist you, we present the cities in Minnesota boasting the most robust job markets, as indicated by their low unemployment rates.
Many individuals settle in a location due to job opportunities, but if you’re contemplating a move to Minnesota for lifestyle reasons or aiming to secure a job after relocating, understanding the local job market is crucial.
To identify the cities with the lowest unemployment rates, we analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and American Community Survey, focusing on cities with a population exceeding 10,000. Here are the top contenders:
- Shoreview(Jobs)
- Hutchinson(Jobs)
- Waconia(Jobs)
- Farmington(Jobs)
- Hugo(Jobs)
- New Ulm(Jobs)
- Sartell(Jobs)
- Otsego(Jobs)
- St. Peter
- Chaska(Jobs)
For employers considering relocation, a city with a low unemployment rate indicates a healthy job market and a skilled workforce. Shoreview currently stands out as the top city in Minnesota with the lowest unemployment rate.
Continue reading to learn how we identified the cities in Minnesota with the most robust job markets.
For additional job insights in Minnesota, explore:
How We Determined the Cities in Minnesota with the Lowest Unemployment Rates
To pinpoint Minnesota’s cities with the lowest unemployment rates, we focused on areas with populations exceeding 10,000, resulting in a selection of 97 places across the state.
We analyzed the unemployment rates from the latest American Community Survey to identify the top cities where job-seekers can thrive.
We ranked the cities from one to 97 based on their unemployment rates, with the lowest rates indicating the best job prospects. In the event of a tie, larger cities received precedence.
If your town isn’t listed among the top ten, scroll down for a detailed chart showcasing all cities. Otherwise, discover what makes our top ten cities stand out.
1. Shoreview
Population: 25,673
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Shoreview leads the list with an impressive unemployment rate of just 2.8%, making it the top choice for job seekers.
2. Hutchinson
Population: 13,983
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Hutchinson ties for second place with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, demonstrating a healthy job market.
3. Waconia
Population: 11,230
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Waconia also boasts a commendable unemployment rate of 2.8%, securing its spot on the podium.
4. Farmington
Population: 21,861
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Farmington ranks fourth with a population of 21,861 and an unemployment rate of 2.9%, making it an attractive option for job seekers.
5. Hugo
Population: 13,850
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Hugo comes in fifth with a solid unemployment rate of 3.1%, showcasing a stable job market.
6. New Ulm
Population: 13,328
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
New Ulm secures the sixth position with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, making it a viable choice for those seeking employment.
7. Sartell
Population: 16,123
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Sartell takes the seventh spot with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market.
8. Otsego
Population: 14,257
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Otsego ranks eighth with a competitive unemployment rate of 3.3%, attracting those looking for work.
9. St. Peter
Population: 11,403
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
St. Peter finishes at ninth with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, showcasing its job market strength.
10. Chaska
Population: 24,238
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Chaska rounds out our list at tenth, tying with St. Peter at 3.3%, reflecting its job opportunities.
Summary of Unemployment Across Minnesota
In summary, these ten cities represent the best job markets in Minnesota with low unemployment rates, offering solid prospects for job seekers.
If you’re considering a move to Minnesota and want to prioritize employment opportunities, these top ten cities are your best bet.
For further insights on cities and states across the U.S., visit www.zippia.com for comprehensive resources. If you’re a recent graduate contemplating relocation, check out which states college graduates are more likely to stay in versus those they leave behind.
Here’s a snapshot of the cities in Minnesota with the highest unemployment rates:
- North St. Paul
- Columbia Heights
- Worthington
Detailed List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment in Minnesota
| City | Rank | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|
| Shoreview | 1 | 2.8% |
| Hutchinson | 2 | 2.8% |
| Waconia | 3 | 2.8% |
| Farmington | 4 | 2.9% |
| Hugo | 5 | 3.1% |
| New Ulm | 6 | 3.1% |
| Sartell | 7 | 3.2% |
| Otsego | 8 | 3.3% |
| St. Peter | 9 | 3.3% |
| Chaska | 10 | 3.3% |
| Rogers | 11 | 3.5% |
| Vadnais Heights | 12 | 3.5% |
| Savage | 13 | 3.5% |
| Lakeville | 14 | 3.6% |
| Grand Rapids | 15 | 3.8% |
| Fairmont | 16 | 3.9% |
| Rosemount | 17 | 3.9% |
| Edina | 18 | 3.9% |
| Champlin | 19 | 3.9% |
| St. Michael | 20 | 4.0% |
| Chanhassen | 21 | 4.0% |
| Maple Grove | 22 | 4.1% |
| Woodbury | 23 | 4.1% |
| Eden Prairie | 24 | 4.1% |
| Plymouth | 25 | 4.2% |
| Crystal | 26 | 4.2% |
| Stillwater | 27 | 4.2% |
| White Bear Lake | 28 | 4.3% |
| Eagan | 29 | 4.3% |
| Roseville | 30 | 4.4% |
| New Brighton | 31 | 4.5% |
| Rochester | 32 | 4.5% |
| Andover | 33 | 4.7% |
| Alexandria | 34 | 4.7% |
| Mendota Heights | 35 | 4.7% |
| Prior Lake | 36 | 4.7% |
| Big Lake | 37 | 4.8% |
| Minnetonka | 38 | 4.9% |
| St. Louis Park | 39 | 4.9% |
| Owatonna | 40 | 4.9% |
| Moorhead | 41 | 5.0% |
| Elk River | 42 | 5.1% |
| Apple Valley | 43 | 5.1% |
| Cottage Grove | 44 | 5.1% |
| North Mankato | 45 | 5.2% |
| Ramsey | 46 | 5.3% |
| North Branch | 47 | 5.3% |
| Golden Valley | 48 | 5.3% |
| Lino Lakes | 49 | 5.3% |
| Fergus Falls | 50 | 5.3% |
| Northfield | 51 | 5.3% |
| Mankato | 52 | 5.4% |
| Shakopee | 53 | 5.4% |
| Blaine | 54 | 5.4% |
| Burnsville | 55 | 5.5% |
| Oakdale | 56 | 5.6% |
| Monticello | 57 | 5.6% |
| Cloquet | 58 | 5.6% |
| Hastings | 59 | 5.7% |
| Albert Lea | 60 | 5.8% |
| Bloomington | 61 | 5.9% |
| Maplewood | 62 | 5.9% |
| Ham Lake | 63 | 5.9% |
| East Bethel | 64 | 5.9% |
| Little Canada | 65 | 6.0% |
| Forest Lake | 66 | 6.0% |
| New Hope | 67 | 6.1% |
| Willmar | 68 | 6.1% |
| Mounds View | 69 | 6.2% |
| Anoka | 70 | 6.2% |
| Richfield | 71 | 6.2% |
| Marshall | 72 | 6.3% |
| Hopkins | 73 | 6.6% |
| Inver Grove Heights | 74 | 6.6% |
| Coon Rapids | 75 | 7.0% |
| Buffalo | 76 | 7.0% |
| Red Wing | 77 | 7.0% |
| Duluth | 78 | 7.1% |
| Brooklyn Park | 79 | 7.2% |
| St. Cloud | 80 | 7.2% |
| Fridley | 81 | 7.5% |
| South St. Paul | 82 | 7.5% |
| Robbinsdale | 83 | 7.6% |
| Minneapolis | 84 | 7.6% |
| Faribault | 85 | 7.7% |
| Hibbing | 86 | 7.8% |
| Brainerd | 87 | 7.9% |
| Austin | 88 | 7.9% |
| West St. Paul | 89 | 8.0% |
| Winona | 90 | 8.1% |
| Brooklyn Center | 91 | 8.1% |
| Sauk Rapids | 92 | 8.1% |
| Bemidji | 93 | 8.8% |
| St. Paul | 94 | 8.8% |
| Worthington | 95 | 9.8% |
| Columbia Heights | 96 | 10.7% |
| North St. Paul | 97 | 11.2% |
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.
