The 50 Worst US Cities for Finding a Job

Not all cities are equal when it comes to your ability to find the job you want. A new study from WalletHub uncovered the cities where job seekers might run into some problems.

The worst city for finding a job, according to WalletHub, is Newark, New Jersey, followed by Las Cruces, New Mexico; Gulfport, Mississippi; San Bernardino, California; and Augusta, Georgia, reflecting significant challenges for those who move to the area without an established job.

Meanwhile, Scottsdale, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; and Salt Lake City, Utah, were among the best cities for job seekers, the study said.

WalletHub surveyed 180 U.S. cities based on 31 key indicators of job-market strength. This included the number of job opportunities per job seeker along with the potential for employment growth and average monthly starting salaries.

The 50 worst cities for job seekers are:

1. Newark, New Jersey
2. Las Cruces, New Mexico
3. Gulfport, Mississippi
4. San Bernardino, California
5. Augusta, Georgia
6. Stockton, California
7. Bakersfield, California
8. Memphis, Tennessee
9. Columbus, Georgia
10. Bridgeport, Connecticut
11. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
12. Shreveport, Louisiana
13. Detroit, Michigan
14. North Las Vegas, Nevada
15. Brownsville, Texas
16. Modesto, California
17. Jackson, Mississippi
18. Fayetteville, North Carolina
19. Moreno Valley, California
20. Fresno, California
21. Huntington, West Virginia
22. Chula Vista, California
23. Long Beach, California
24. Indianapolis, Indiana
25. Oxnard, California
26. Santa Clarita, California
27. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
28. El Paso, Texas
29. Fort Smith, Arkansas
30. Buffalo, New York
31. Laredo, Texas
32. Montgomery, Alabama
33. Vancouver, Washington
34. Hialeah, Florida
35. Oceanside, California
36. Akron, Ohio
37. New York, New York
38. New Haven, Connecticut
39. Oakland, California
40. Fort Wayne, Indiana
41. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
42. Springfield, Missouri
43. Cleveland, Ohio
44. Yonkers, New York
45. Toledo, Ohio
46. Billings, Montana
47. Glendale, California
48. Corpus Christi, Texas
49. Worcester, Massachusetts
50. Anchorage, Alaska

Income, Commute, Housing Factors

WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said desirability for job seekers is influenced by many things, including median income, commute times and housing affordability.

"Scottsdale, Arizona, emerged as the top city for job seekers, boasting nearly 12 percent job growth and high-quality opportunities," Happe told Newsweek. "Tampa, Florida, stood out for its quality companies and job security, while Salt Lake City, Utah, offered low unemployment rates and fair wages."

For the cities that failed job seekers' expectations, it often came down to the opportunities and salary level.

"Newark, New Jersey, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Gulfport, Mississippi, found themselves at the bottom of the list," Happe said. "On the other hand, Scottsdale, Arizona, Tampa, Florida, and Salt Lake City, Utah, excelled, showcasing robust job markets and providing ample opportunities for employment with competitive compensation."

The cities that remain more attractive to job seekers will always be the ones with the largest range of industries and opportunities, according to John Peña, a real estate agent and the CEO of Peña El Paso Realty Group.

"The top cities for job seekers tend to have strong economies, low unemployment rates, and a variety of industries and job opportunities," Peña told Newsweek. "You may notice, cities like Newark and Gulfport often struggle with high unemployment rates and lack of diversity in their job markets."

Cost of living and general quality of life also play a major role in how happy a job seeker might be in a city, and Peña cautions those looking to move from only considering the total number of jobs available.

"I would say that job seekers should consider not only the number of job opportunities in a city, but also the overall economic and lifestyle factors when making their decision," Peña said. "This can help them find a city that not only offers great career prospects but also a comfortable and fulfilling life."

Housing Market Vital for Job Seekers

G. Brian Davis, the founder of SparkRental, said considering the housing market is also a vital step job seekers must take before deciding where to settle down.

"How expensive is it? Do you have local friends or family you can stay with for a few months while you find a job and get on your feet? Be sure to look at other cost-of-living factors beyond housing as well," Davis told Newsweek.

Transportation costs can also add up quickly, so cities like New York, despite the high cost of living, might prove advantageous to some job seekers.

"Consider the local transportation," Davis said. "Could you potentially live without a car, or drop to a one-car household if you're married? Some cities lend themselves to it better than others, and that can save over $12,000 a year on average."

Generally, as the United States has a low 3.7 percent unemployment rate today, Happe said now is an ideal time to find a job.

"Currently, workers have a lot of negotiating power," she said. "Well-qualified job candidates are in a great position to acquire competitive salaries and benefits."