Congratulations, Plano – You’ve Made The Top Ten!
Finding a job can be difficult. Especially, in a big city like DFW area. It’s not easy to set yourself in the spotlight among many applicants. But, knowing the best places to look just got easier. WalletHub asked the experts and did some calculating to compile a list of best cities to job hunt to make your options a little clearer.
Best Places to Find a Job
Overall Rank
(1 = Best)
City
Total Score
‘Job Market’ Rank
‘Socio-economics’ Rank
1
Scottsdale, AZ
66.58
2
6
2
Columbia, MD
65.78
4
5
3
Orlando, FL
64.76
1
48
4
San Francisco, CA
64.67
3
25
5
Colorado Springs, CO
62.85
6
42
6
Portland, ME
62.81
8
36
7
Plano, TX
62.62
5
55
8
Washington, DC
61.79
11
32
9
Boston, MA
61.70
7
73
10
Chandler, AZ
61.65
14
11
11
South Burlington, VT
61.45
15
10
12
Minneapolis, MN
60.98
20
3
13
Denver, CO
60.63
13
40
14
Tempe, AZ
60.41
19
9
15
Pittsburgh, PA
59.84
34
2
16
Austin, TX
59.73
17
27
17
Madison, WI
59.44
41
4
18
Atlanta, GA
59.40
16
49
19
Portland, OR
59.23
24
24
20
Overland Park, KS
58.94
31
17
21
Irving, TX
58.84
9
128
22
Seattle, WA
58.80
36
16
23
Nashua, NH
58.49
39
18
24
Fremont, CA
58.28
27
47
25
St. Paul, MN
58.26
43
19
26
Dallas, TX
58.23
12
117
27
Charleston, SC
58.23
33
26
28
San Diego, CA
58.00
37
28
29
Virginia Beach, VA
57.96
32
37
30
Boise, ID
57.95
52
7
31
Miami, FL
57.90
10
164
32
San Jose, CA
57.83
28
59
33
Salt Lake City, UT
57.78
38
35
34
Irvine, CA
57.71
44
23
35
Manchester, NH
57.59
30
52
36
Grand Prairie, TX
57.51
29
75
37
Tampa, FL
57.22
49
30
38
Burlington, VT
57.04
75
1
39
Gilbert, AZ
56.84
35
67
40
Pearl City, HI
56.80
23
87
41
Peoria, AZ
56.67
40
68
42
Jacksonville, FL
56.62
21
109
43
Fort Lauderdale, FL
56.41
18
135
44
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
56.37
57
20
45
Amarillo, TX
55.64
45
82
46
Garland, TX
55.61
26
133
47
Warwick, RI
55.58
65
31
48
Aurora, CO
55.48
22
148
49
Fargo, ND
55.46
80
13
50
Omaha, NE
55.44
79
14
51
Lincoln, NE
55.36
87
12
52
Grand Rapids, MI
55.35
62
43
53
Phoenix, AZ
55.25
54
66
54
Cedar Rapids, IA
55.16
90
8
55
Salem, OR
55.09
55
64
56
Sacramento, CA
55.08
56
60
57
Arlington, TX
55.05
25
153
58
Fort Worth, TX
55.01
42
114
59
Vancouver, WA
54.98
48
104
60
Des Moines, IA
54.64
70
53
61
Nashville, TN
54.54
50
105
62
Honolulu, HI
54.54
78
37
63
Raleigh, NC
54.49
68
57
64
Reno, NV
54.48
67
58
65
Mesa, AZ
54.36
58
77
66
St. Petersburg, FL
54.33
61
72
67
Chesapeake, VA
54.29
60
74
68
Glendale, AZ
54.26
47
126
69
Cincinnati, OH
53.94
81
50
70
Richmond, VA
53.67
66
101
71
Huntington Beach, CA
53.63
89
44
72
Chattanooga, TN
53.56
46
160
73
Columbus, OH
53.53
97
33
74
Tacoma, WA
53.51
69
90
75
Tallahassee, FL
53.48
76
70
76
West Valley City, UT
53.38
98
29
77
Bismarck, ND
53.30
107
15
78
Huntsville, AL
53.17
64
102
79
Pembroke Pines, FL
52.97
72
103
80
Little Rock, AR
52.86
51
154
81
Los Angeles, CA
52.83
73
93
82
Houston, TX
52.78
59
127
83
Newport News, VA
52.44
63
143
84
Sioux Falls, SD
52.43
119
22
85
New York, NY
52.40
85
86
86
San Antonio, TX
52.30
86
88
87
Santa Rosa, CA
52.23
74
113
88
Dover, DE
52.08
82
98
89
Baltimore, MD
51.70
53
173
90
Lexington-Fayette, KY
51.65
104
62
91
Lewiston, ME
51.60
95
91
92
Lubbock, TX
51.58
71
140
93
Durham, NC
51.56
83
116
94
Billings, MT
51.51
116
54
95
Columbia, SC
51.48
93
106
96
Rapid City, SD
51.36
123
41
97
Milwaukee, WI
51.35
94
108
98
Ontario, CA
51.23
88
124
99
Spokane, WA
51.14
102
85
100
Port St. Lucie, FL
51.08
92
118
101
Oceanside, CA
51.05
84
145
102
Charlotte, NC
50.87
101
94
103
Garden Grove, CA
50.70
128
34
104
Cheyenne, WY
50.70
127
45
105
Tucson, AZ
50.66
115
78
106
St. Louis, MO
50.66
100
112
107
Oakland, CA
50.61
77
158
108
Providence, RI
50.60
108
83
109
Fontana, CA
50.49
124
69
110
Glendale, CA
50.33
110
89
111
Worcester, MA
50.16
110
95
112
Knoxville, TN
49.87
120
99
113
Birmingham, AL
49.73
91
171
114
Las Vegas, NV
49.60
137
39
115
Norfolk, VA
49.54
96
162
116
Riverside, CA
49.53
106
119
117
Tulsa, OK
49.43
103
141
118
Long Beach, CA
49.39
105
125
119
Wilmington, DE
49.36
122
107
120
Indianapolis, IN
49.23
99
165
121
Kansas City, MO
49.22
121
110
122
Anaheim, CA
49.17
113
130
123
Chula Vista, CA
49.15
112
132
124
Baton Rouge, LA
49.10
114
139
125
Santa Ana, CA
49.02
118
123
126
Casper, WY
49.01
153
21
127
Nampa, ID
48.94
117
144
128
Juneau, AK
48.71
144
61
129
Louisville, KY
48.64
134
84
130
Santa Clarita, CA
48.55
136
79
131
Corpus Christi, TX
48.53
109
147
132
Chicago, IL
48.44
149
56
133
El Paso, TX
48.23
132
97
134
Oklahoma City, OK
48.21
139
81
135
Jersey City, NJ
47.82
157
46
136
Aurora, IL
47.56
154
65
137
Missoula, MT
47.51
159
51
138
Charleston, WV
47.22
133
138
139
Fort Smith, AR
47.06
126
167
140
Albuquerque, NM
47.06
143
111
141
Henderson, NV
47.05
158
63
142
Greensboro, NC
46.94
140
121
143
Akron, OH
46.88
142
122
144
Fort Wayne, IN
46.76
135
142
145
Cape Coral, FL
46.74
152
92
146
Rochester, NY
46.61
156
80
147
Wichita, KS
46.34
131
166
148
Montgomery, AL
46.30
130
168
149
Yonkers, NY
46.20
162
71
150
Moreno Valley, CA
45.94
141
157
151
Springfield, MO
45.92
146
151
152
Memphis, TN
45.82
129
181
153
Laredo, TX
45.77
145
150
154
Philadelphia, PA
45.74
151
134
155
Buffalo, NY
45.62
163
76
156
Columbus, GA
45.50
148
155
157
Modesto, CA
45.45
155
131
158
Mobile, AL
45.38
138
172
159
Hialeah, FL
45.07
125
182
160
Augusta, GA
44.61
150
178
161
Jackson, MS
44.54
147
177
162
Huntington, WV
43.90
165
136
163
Bridgeport, CT
43.68
164
149
164
San Bernardino, CA
43.64
160
163
165
New Haven, CT
43.50
174
96
166
Anchorage, AK
43.32
169
129
167
Oxnard, CA
43.23
172
115
168
Bakersfield, CA
42.88
175
120
169
Winston-Salem, NC
42.62
167
169
170
Cleveland, OH
42.45
168
161
171
New Orleans, LA
42.42
173
146
172
Gulfport, MS
42.32
166
175
173
Detroit, MI
42.19
161
180
174
North Las Vegas, NV
41.77
178
137
175
Fresno, CA
41.76
176
159
176
Stockton, CA
41.30
170
176
177
Brownsville, TX
41.25
177
156
178
Shreveport, LA
40.64
171
179
179
Toledo, OH
40.56
179
170
180
Newark, NJ
39.01
180
152
181
Las Cruces, NM
38.88
182
100
182
Fayetteville, NC
36.91
181
174
Most Difficult to Find…Easiest to Find a Job…MixedWest Valley City, UTScottsdale, AZSan Francisco, CAPlano, TXChandler, AZDenver, COAustin, TXPortland, ORSeattle, WASt. Paul, MNSan Diego, CAMiami, FLIrvine, CATampa, FLFort Lauderdale, FLGarland, TXFargo, NDGrand Rapids, MISalem, ORFort Worth, TXNashville, TNReno, NVChesapeake, VARichmond, VAColumbus, OHPembroke Pines, FLHouston, TXNew York, NYBillings, MTMilwaukee, WIPort St. Lucie, FLGarden Grove, CASt. Louis, MOFontana, CAKnoxville, TNNorfolk, VALong Beach, CAKansas City, MOBaton Rouge, LANampa, IDSanta Clarita, CAEl Paso, TXAurora, ILFort Smith, ARGreensboro, NCCape Coral, FLMontgomery, ALSpringfield, MOPhiladelphia, PAModesto, CAAugusta, GABridgeport, CTAnchorage, AKWinston-Salem, NCGulfport, MSFresno, CAShreveport, LALas Cruces, NM0501001502…0150300450600Best & Worst Cities for Jobs RankFastest Growing Cities Rank
State
Best & Worst Cities for Jobs Rank
Fastest Growing Cities Rank
Category
West Valley City, UT
76
307
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Scottsdale, AZ
1
59
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
San Francisco, CA
4
62
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Plano, TX
7
200
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Chandler, AZ
10
300
Mixed
Denver, CO
13
34
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Austin, TX
16
18
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Portland, OR
19
140
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Seattle, WA
22
25
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
St. Paul, MN
25
247
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
San Diego, CA
28
186
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Miami, FL
31
19
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Irvine, CA
34
10
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Tampa, FL
37
106
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Pearl City, HI
40
NaN
Mixed
Fort Lauderdale, FL
43
190
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Garland, TX
46
260
Mixed
Fargo, ND
49
47
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Grand Rapids, MI
52
48
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Salem, OR
55
112
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Fort Worth, TX
58
35
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Nashville, TN
61
43
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Reno, NV
64
74
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Chesapeake, VA
67
278
Mixed
Richmond, VA
70
157
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Columbus, OH
73
143
Easiest to Find a Job & Fastest Growing
Pembroke Pines, FL
79
127
Mixed
Houston, TX
82
255
Mixed
New York, NY
85
325
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Dover, DE
88
NaN
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Lewiston, ME
91
NaN
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Billings, MT
94
219
Mixed
Milwaukee, WI
97
446
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Port St. Lucie, FL
100
80
Mixed
Garden Grove, CA
103
337
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
St. Louis, MO
106
366
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Fontana, CA
109
166
Mixed
Knoxville, TN
112
389
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Norfolk, VA
115
412
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Long Beach, CA
118
284
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Kansas City, MO
121
306
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Baton Rouge, LA
124
504
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Nampa, ID
127
57
Mixed
Santa Clarita, CA
130
23
Mixed
El Paso, TX
133
399
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Aurora, IL
136
380
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Fort Smith, AR
139
459
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Greensboro, NC
142
355
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Cape Coral, FL
145
24
Mixed
Montgomery, AL
148
509
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Springfield, MO
151
359
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Philadelphia, PA
154
358
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Modesto, CA
157
111
Mixed
Augusta, GA
160
481
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Bridgeport, CT
163
449
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Anchorage, AK
166
501
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Winston-Salem, NC
169
257
Mixed
Gulfport, MS
172
441
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Fresno, CA
175
191
Mixed
Shreveport, LA
178
514
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Las Cruces, NM
181
489
Most Difficult to Find a Job & Slowest Growing
Ask the Experts
Although the employment projections for 2019 appear to be promising, the job-hunting process can still be scary, especially for those entering the workforce for the first time or facing particular obstacles. To ease the burden on job seekers, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:
- What is your prediction for the job market in 2019?
- What impact will the current administration’s policies have on job growth?
- Which fields are expected to grow the most in the coming years?
- Recent evidence suggests fewer people are moving across state lines in search for work. Why do you think this is, and what can be done to increase geographic mobility?
- What are the most common mistakes job seekers make when seeking employment?
- What types of programs have proven effective in helping unemployed individuals find work?
- Should unemployed people be required to do something in order to earn their unemployment benefits? If so, what?
- Miren IvankovicAdjunct Professor, Clemson University
- A. Colin CameronProfessor, Department of Economics, University of California, Davis
- Daraius IraniPh.D. – VP, Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, Chief Economist, Regional Economic Studies Institute, Towson University
- Michael ZigarelliPh.D. – Professor of Leadership and Strategy, Messiah College
Methodology
In order to determine the best job markets in the U.S., WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across two key dimensions, “Job Market” and “Socio-economics.” We assigned a heavier weight to the former, considering the fact that factors in that category most heavily influence a job seeker’s decision in terms of relocation for employment.
We then evaluated the two dimensions using 30 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for job seekers. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available at state level only.
Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample. In determining our sample, we considered only the city proper in each case, excluding cities in the surrounding metro area.
Job Market – Total Points: 80
- Job Opportunities: Double Weight (~6.53 Points)
Note: This metric was calculated as follows: Number of Job Openings per Number of Population in Labor Force Minus Unemployment Rate.- Employment Growth: Double Weight (~6.53 Points)
Note: This metric measures the rate of annual job growth adjusted by the working-age population growth.- Monthly Average Starting Salary: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
- Unemployment Rate: Double Weight (~6.53 Points)
- Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
- Industry Variety: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
- Employment Outlook: Double Weight (~6.53 Points)
Note: This metric is based on the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.- Automation Risk: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage of jobs at risk for automation.- Job Security: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric was calculated as follows: (Number of Employees in 2017 – Number of Employees in 2016) / Number of Employees in 2016.- Job Satisfaction: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
- Share of Engaged Workers*: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric is based on Gallup’s “State of the American Workplace” report. Gallup defines engaged employees as those who are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace.- Retirement Access & Participation: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric considers only employer-based retirement plans.- Access to Employee Benefits: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of employees with private health insurance.- Presence of Work-Share Programs*: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This binary metric measures the presence or absence of state programs that allow employers to temporarily reduce work hours of employees instead of laying them off during economic downturns.- Full-Time Employment: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of part-time employees for every 100 full-time employees.- Access to Internships: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of internships per total civilian population aged 16 to 24 in the labor force.- 4+ Star Job Opportunities per Total People in Labor Force: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of job opportunities at 4+ star rated companies on Glasssdoor.com per the total people in the labor force.- Apprentice-Trainee Jobs as Share of Total Jobs Posted on Glassdoor.com: Half Weight (~1.63 Points)
Note: Apprentice-trainee jobs refers to on-the-job training.- Share of Workers in Poverty: Double Weight (~6.53 Points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage of employed residents whose incomes are below the poverty line.- Disability-Friendliness of Employers: Full Weight (~3.27 Points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage of persons with disabilities who are employed.Socio-economics – Total Points: 20
-
Median Annual Income: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric was adjusted for the cost of living. -
Average Work & Commute Time: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric measures the average length of a workday and the average commute time. -
Transit Accessibility of Workplace: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of jobs accessible by a 30-minute transit ride per total civilian workforce. -
Transit Score: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: Transit Score is a patented measure of how well a location is served by public transit. -
Housing Affordability: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric was calculated as follows: Housing Costs (accounts for both rental and sale prices) / Median Annual Household Income. -
Annual Transportation Costs: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
-
Safety: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric measures the crime rate. -
Family-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family” ranking. -
Dating-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Cities for Singles” ranking. -
Recreation-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.00 Points)
Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Cities for Recreation” ranking.
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