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%