Employment holds a third of the weight in ranking the Best States for economy. This subcategory evaluates three metrics: unemployment rate, job growth and labor force participation rate. While the labor force participation rate measures the percentage that is either employed or actively looking for a job, the unemployment rate delves deeper to measure the percentage of the labor force that is out of work. All three metrics indicate the employment and economic prospects in a state.

Utah ranks first in the nation for employment. Colorado – No. 1 in the economy category overall – places second in this subcategory, followed by Minnesota, Hawaii and Idaho.

Explore more about the Best States for employment below.