Three Idaho cities make top 10 list as best places for jobseekers
Downtown Boise (IBR file photo).
A mix of cities from across the U.S. have been ranked as the best places for jobseekers and three Idaho cities have ranked within the top 10.
According to a study by interactive artificial intelligence presentation and infographic maker Visme based on data released this month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boise, Pocatello and Idaho Falls are among the 10 best places in the nation to find a job.
Boise ranked No. 2, Pocatello ranked No. 4 and Idaho Falls ranked No. 10 on the list, which looked at the percentage increase in the number of people who were employed in metropolitan areas in every state from November 2023 to November 2024.
Coming in at No. 1 on the list was Rochester, Minnesota, which had a 5.95% increase in employment over the course of the year being looked at. “In terms of employment, Minnesota’s third largest city is recognized as the fastest-growing area in both the state and the nation,” a release stated. “This growth is likely influenced by the area’s strong health care sector, which employs a significant portion of the workforce. For instance, health care practitioners and technical occupations account for 19.9% (one-fifth) of local employment, substantially higher than the national average of 6.1%.”
Boise had a 4.33% rise in employment during that time. “The education and health services sector in Idaho’s capital experienced the most substantial growth in employment, likely positioning it as a major contributor to the notable rise in job opportunities within the region. The number of jobs in the sector rose by 13.4% from November 2023 to November 2024.”
Ranking third was the Stockton-Lodi region in the northern Central Valley of California, with the two cities nestled side by side in vast agricultural area known for winegrapes and many other crops. The area had a 4.28% increase in employment. “Stockton’s strategic location, with access to major highways and proximity to the Port of Stockton, has made it a hub for logistics and distribution. This has attracted companies seeking efficient distribution channels, leading to increased employment in transportation and material moving occupations. As of May 2023, these occupations accounted for 20.6% of local employment, significantly higher than the national average of 9.1%.”
Pocatello ranked fourth with a 3.72% increase in employment. “The largest city of Bannock County has seen the biggest increase in employment in its government sector, with an 11.2% increase in jobs between November 2023 and November 2024, and its education and health services sector, with an 8.1% increase in jobs between November 2023 and November 2024.”
Yuba City, California, was fifth with a 3.63% increase; Anchorage, Alaska was sixth with a 3.55% increase; Richmond, Virginia, was seventh with a 3.38% increase; sharing eighth place are Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont, and Sumter, South Carolina, each with 3.36% increase.
Idaho Falls had an increase of 3.27% increase. According to the study, Idaho has had the highest increase in employment, with a 3.1% increase over the course of the year. Alaska had the second highest with 2.8%.
“Employment growth in cities is often driven by a mix of industry specialization, population growth and strategic infrastructure,” said Payman Taei, founder and CEO of Visme. “Rochester, Minnesota, demonstrates how a strong health care sector can fuel job creation, while Boise highlights the impact of population-driven demand in education and health services. Similarly, Stockton-Lodi, California, exemplifies how strategic connectivity, like access to major ports and highways, can bolster logistics and distribution employment. These cities not only reflect broader urban employment trends but also showcase how targeted industry and infrastructure investments can shape the economic landscape and create opportunities for jobseekers.”