West Virginia ranks dead last in states for job seekers, study says

In WalletHub’s 2025 report on the best and worst states for jobs, West Virginia ranks 50th, dead last. The report highlights growing concerns about the state’s job market, as unemployment stands at 4.3% and labor force participation remains at a multi-year low.

The report, released Wednesday by the personal finance website WalletHub, analyzed all 50 states using 34 factors tied to job-market strength and economic health. These included employment growth, median income, commute time and workforce participation.

The study placed the Mountain State’s job market rank at 50th in the country, while its economic environment rank sat at 44th.

States at the top of the list are Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Minnesota. West Virginia ranks behind states like Louisiana, Kentucky, and Alaska — all of which also fall in the bottom 10.

According to the data, states with strong job markets tend to offer better pay, lower unemployment, and more stability for workers and families. For example, Texas has the highest average starting salary, while South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate. In contrast, West Virginia continues to face workforce challenges.

The report also notes that in states ranked higher, employers are more likely to offer competitive wages and benefits, and families have greater access to job opportunities.

You can read the full study here.