Find a Job You Really Want In
Top 10 Cities in New York with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job but love your hometown, you may be considering a local job search. But how challenging will it be to find employment in your area? To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of the cities in New York with the strongest job markets, ranked by their unemployment rates.
Many individuals reside where they do because of job opportunities. However, if you’re contemplating moving to New York for a fresh start or seeking new employment without relocating first, understanding the job market’s strength in potential cities is crucial.
Using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we analyzed various cities across New York to identify those with the lowest unemployment rates. We set a minimum population threshold and examined the data to determine which cities are leading the way:
- Mineola (Jobs)
- Scarsdale (Jobs)
- Lake Grove (Jobs)
- Kenmore (Jobs)
- Patchogue (Jobs)
- Westbury (Jobs)
- Kiryas Joel (Jobs)
- Glen Cove (Jobs)
- Babylon (Jobs)
- Lindenhurst (Jobs)
Even if you’re an employer considering relocation, a low unemployment rate is a strong indicator of community health and potential workforce quality. Mineola stands out as the city in New York with the lowest unemployment rate.
Keep reading to discover how we identified these cities and what contributes to their robust job markets.
For additional job-related resources in New York, check out:
- Search for Jobs in New York
- Highest Paying Jobs in New York
- Fastest Growing Jobs in New York
How We Determined the Cities in New York with the Lowest Unemployment Rates
To identify New York’s top cities for employment, we focused on locations with populations exceeding 10,000 and where relevant data was available.
This analysis resulted in a selection of 90 cities across New York.
We then examined the unemployment rates, drawing on the latest American Community Survey data from the Census Bureau. This data provides insight into the current job market landscape for each city, reflecting the likelihood of securing employment whether you’re moving within the state, across state lines, or relocating to a new city.
We ranked the cities from one to ninety, with “1” denoting the city with the lowest unemployment rate. In instances of a tie, preference was given to the larger city.
If your city isn’t among the top ten, scroll down for a detailed chart of all cities. Otherwise, dive deeper into the achievements of the top ten cities on our list.
1. Mineola
Population: 18,918
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Mineola secures the top spot on our list with an impressive unemployment rate of just 3.8%, showcasing a thriving job market.
Being number one comes with distinct benefits, such as abundant job opportunities.
2. Scarsdale
Population: 17,471
Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
While second place might not seem ideal, Scarsdale boasts a respectable unemployment rate of 4.0%, making it an attractive location for job seekers.
3. Lake Grove
Population: 11,235
Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
Lake Grove rounds out the top three, also with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, indicating a stable job environment.
4. Kenmore
Population: 15,334
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Kenmore claims the fourth position, making it a solid choice for those starting their career search.
5. Patchogue
Population: 12,045
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Patchogue holds the fifth spot with a favorable unemployment rate of 4.6%, showcasing a healthy job market.
6. Westbury
Population: 15,201
Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
Westbury ranks sixth, maintaining a competitive unemployment rate that makes it a viable option for job seekers.
7. Kiryas Joel
Population: 21,201
Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
Kiryas Joel takes the seventh spot with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, reflecting a robust employment landscape.
8. Glen Cove
Population: 27,161
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
Glen Cove, at number eight, offers a competitive job market that could attract talent from more prominent New York cities.
9. Babylon
Population: 12,177
Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Babylon finishes ninth with a solid unemployment rate of 5.2%, demonstrating its potential for job seekers.
10. Lindenhurst
Population: 27,303
Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Lindenhurst rounds out our top ten list, still holding strong among the 90 cities analyzed.
Despite its tenth position, Lindenhurst has much to offer job seekers.
Summary: Unemployment Across New York
Here you have it—the top ten cities with the lowest unemployment rates in New York. These locations offer ample job opportunities and a supportive economic environment.
If you’re considering relocating to the Empire State and want to prioritize job security, focus on these cities as your potential new home.
For more insights on cities and states across the U.S., visit zippia.com for comprehensive information. Recent graduates looking to relocate can also explore which states attract college graduates.
Additionally, here’s a glimpse of cities in New York with the highest unemployment rates:
- Fulton
- Poughkeepsie
- Massena
Detailed List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment in New York
| City | Rank | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|
| Mineola | 1 | 3.8% |
| Scarsdale | 2 | 4.0% |
| Lake Grove | 3 | 4.0% |
| Kenmore | 4 | 4.4% |
| Patchogue | 5 | 4.6% |
| Westbury | 6 | 4.7% |
| Kiryas Joel | 7 | 4.9% |
| Glen Cove | 8 | 5.0% |
| Babylon | 9 | 5.2% |
| Lindenhurst | 10 | 5.2% |
| Rye | 11 | 5.5% |
| Floral Park | 12 | 5.7% |
| Garden City | 13 | 5.7% |
| Cortland | 14 | 6.1% |
| Long Beach | 15 | 6.2% |
| Batavia | 16 | 6.2% |
| Mount Kisco | 17 | 6.3% |
| Dobbs Ferry | 18 | 6.4% |
| Rome | 19 | 6.5% |
| Depew | 20 | 6.5% |
| Great Neck | 21 | 6.6% |
| Fredonia | 22 | 6.8% |
| Plattsburgh | 23 | 6.8% |
| Rockville Centre | 24 | 6.8% |
| Canandaigua | 25 | 6.8% |
| Johnson City | 26 | 7.1% |
| White Plains | 27 | 7.1% |
| Port Chester | 28 | 7.2% |
| Woodbury | 29 | 7.2% |
| Tonawanda | 30 | 7.3% |
| North Tonawanda | 31 | 7.3% |
| Geneva | 32 | 7.4% |
| Harrison | 33 | 7.5% |
| Freeport | 34 | 7.5% |
| Suffern | 35 | 7.5% |
| New Rochelle | 36 | 7.5% |
| Oneida | 37 | 7.6% |
| Lancaster | 38 | 7.7% |
| Ithaca | 39 | 7.8% |
| Lockport | 40 | 7.8% |
| Mamaroneck | 41 | 8.0% |
| Ossining | 42 | 8.0% |
| West Haverstraw | 43 | 8.1% |
| Massapequa Park | 44 | 8.1% |
| Corning | 45 | 8.1% |
| Tarr | 46 | 8.2% |
| Watervliet | 47 | 8.4% |
| Olean | 48 | 8.4% |
| Albany | 49 | 8.4% |
| Saratoga Springs | 50 | 8.5% |
| Glens Falls | 51 | 8.8% |
| Elmira | 52 | 8.8% |
| Hempstead | 53 | 8.8% |
| Oneonta | 54 | 8.9% |
| Yonkers | 55 | 9.1% |
| Ogdensburg | 56 | 9.3% |
| Sleepy Hollow | 57 | 9.3% |
| Valley Stream | 58 | 9.3% |
| New York | 59 | 9.5% |
| Oswego | 60 | 9.6% |
| Middletown | 61 | 9.6% |
| Mastic Beach | 62 | 9.6% |
| Lynbrook | 63 | 9.6% |
| Cohoes | 64 | 9.8% |
| Kingston | 65 | 9.9% |
| Schenectady | 66 | 9.9% |
| Auburn | 67 | 10.0% |
| Jamestown | 68 | 10.0% |
| Haverstraw | 69 | 10.1% |
| Watertown | 70 | 10.5% |
| Endicott | 71 | 10.6% |
| Beacon | 72 | 10.6% |
| Peekskill | 73 | 10.9% |
| Dunkirk | 74 | 10.9% |
| Binghamton | 75 | 11.1% |
| Buffalo | 76 | 11.2% |
| Niagara Falls | 77 | 11.2% |
| Newburgh | 78 | 11.2% |
| Syracuse | 79 | 11.4% |
| Amsterdam | 80 | 11.5% |
| Troy | 81 | 11.6% |
| Lackawanna | 82 | 12.0% |
| Utica | 83 | 12.2% |
| Mount Vernon | 84 | 12.6% |
| Spring Valley | 85 | 13.2% |
| Gloversville | 86 | 13.6% |
| Rochester | 87 | 13.8% |
| Massena | 88 | 14.7% |
| Poughkeepsie | 89 | 14.8% |
| Fulton | 90 | 15.0% |
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.
