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The Best Job Markets in the U.S., According to SmartAsset Study
In a challenging job market, it’s essential for workers to have access to lucrative opportunities and a healthy work-life balance. A new study by SmartAsset has ranked 348 U.S. cities based on six factors, including unemployment rates, income growth, health insurance coverage, median commute times, and more. The results provide valuable insights into which areas of the country offer the best job markets.
Top Job Market: Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon takes the top spot in this year’s study, boasting an impressive 3.1% unemployment rate and a remarkable income growth of 44%. This West Coast city has also demonstrated exceptional work-life balance, with a median commute time of just 16 minutes and over a quarter of its population working remotely.
Cities with High Percentage of Health Care Coverage
Santa Clara, California, stands out as the city with the highest percentage of health care coverage for workers. An astonishing 88% of the city’s residents have private insurance plans through their employers. Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Bellevue, Washington, follow closely behind with roughly 87% of their populations enjoying similar benefits.
Commutes Under 15 Minutes
For those seeking a quick and easy commute, Wichita Falls, Texas, is the city to beat. With a median commute time of just 14 minutes, workers in this city spend the least amount of time stuck in traffic or on public transportation compared to other cities in the study. Other cities with remarkably short commutes include Abilene, Texas, and Topeka, Kansas, where median commutes are approximately 14 and 15 minutes respectively.
Cities Embracing Remote Work
In an effort to promote better work-life balance, several cities have seen a significant rise in remote workers. Frisco, Texas, stands out as the city with the highest percentage of remote workers at over 32%. Berkeley, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina, also demonstrate their commitment to this shift by having over 29% and 28% of their populations working remotely respectively.
These findings from SmartAsset’s study provide valuable insights for job seekers and companies alike. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing job market landscape, understanding which cities offer the best opportunities is crucial in making informed decisions about one’s career.
Source: www.cbsnews.com
