from Challenger Gray and Christmas
Relocation rates held steady in 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. While employment prospects are strong this year, it is not easy to find jobs in certain places across the country.
Although the national unemployment rate fell slightly in March to 4.5 percent from 4.7, some areas fall well below and well above this average, indicating varying degrees of economic strength. Said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
Job seekers have more options than they did during and immediately after the Great Recession. While many do not necessarily have to move for work, just over 10.23 percent of job seekers relocated for new positions in the first quarter. Job seekers would be wise to research local job markets to see where the greatest opportunities might be.
Indeed, relocation rates hovered near 11 percent in 2015 and 2016 on average. Recent relocation rates are down from a four-quarter average of 13 percent in 2014 and 2013. Relocation reached a post-recession high in the second half of 2014, as 15 percent of job seekers pulled up stakes for new opportunities during the final two-quarters of the year.
Top States by Unemployment
State
Unemployment Rate (Feb. 2017)
Average Salary
All Occupations
Bachelor’s Degree Acquired
Advanced Degree Acquired
New Hampshire
2.7
$55,810
34.90%
13.00%
Hawaii
2.8
$49,430
30.80%
10.50%
South Dakota
2.8
$40,070
27.00%
8.00%
Colorado
2.9
$52,710
38.10%
14.00%
North Dakota
2.9
$47,130
27.70%
7.60%
Vermont
3
$47,620
36.00%
14.30%
Utah
3.1
$45,490
31.10%
10.40%
Iowa
3.2
$43,540
26.70%
8.50%
Maine
3.2
$44,180
29.00%
10.30%
Nebraska
3.2
$44,170
29.30%
9.70%
Massachusetts
3.4
$60,840
40.50%
17.70%
Idaho
3.6
$41,910
25.90%
8.20%
Arkansas
3.7
$39,590
21.10%
7.50%
Wisconsin
3.7
$45,240
27.80%
9.40%
Montana
3.8
$41,440
29.50%
9.50%
Virginia
3.9
$53,090
36.30%
15.40%
