Study Reveals High Unemployment Rates in Major U.S. Cities
In an age marked by economic challenges—such as rising tariffs, soaring grocery prices, and high rental costs—the fear of unemployment becomes increasingly pronounced. However, the impact isn’t uniform across the United States; certain cities are grappling with significantly higher unemployment rates than others.
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GOBankingRates recently performed an extensive study to identify U.S. cities affected by high unemployment. The analysis focused on areas with populations exceeding 5,000 and at least 1,000 households. The research examined variables like household incomes, cost of living, and rental rates. It revealed 20 cities characterized by notably high unemployment rates in comparison to others of similar size and economic conditions.
Is your city struggling with unemployment? Are you wondering if your ideal location faces these economic hurdles? Below is a list of cities with the highest unemployment rates.
Check out the salary required to afford the American Dream in the 50 largest cities in the country.
Beecher, Michigan
- Unemployment rate: 24.5%
- Median income: $35,582
- % households with income under $10K: 11.1%
- Annual cost of living: $25,978
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Earlimart, California
- Unemployment rate: 23.4%
- Median income: $51,343
- % households with income under $10K: 13.6%
- Annual cost of living: $44,506
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Lucerne Valley, California
- Unemployment rate: 23.4%
- Median income: $50,330
- % households with income under $10K: 9.6%
- Annual cost of living: $44,281
Ville Platte, Louisiana
- Unemployment rate: 21.0%
- Median income: $28,874
- % households with income under $10K: 11.8%
- Annual cost of living: $32,618
Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Unemployment rate: 20.8%
- Median income: $29,652
- % households with income under $10K: 12.1%
- Annual cost of living: $32,535
Gustine, California
- Unemployment rate: 19.3%
- Median income: $58,321
- % households with income under $10K: 2.4%
- Annual cost of living: $56,813
Prairie View, Texas
- Unemployment rate: 19.2%
- Median income: $19,106
- % households with income under $10K: 37.5%
- Annual cost of living: $38,843
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California City, California
- Unemployment rate: 18.5%
- Median income: $55,271
- % households with income under $10K: 6.8%
- Annual cost of living: $46,069
Explore America’s Cities with the Highest Unemployment Rates
Calexico, California
- Unemployment Rate: 18.3%
- Median Income: $50,021
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 5.6%
- Annual Cost of Living: $51,017
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
- Unemployment Rate: 18.3%
- Median Income: $32,466
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 12.5%
- Annual Cost of Living: $23,843
Orosi, California
- Unemployment Rate: 18.1%
- Median Income: $49,279
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 3.5%
- Annual Cost of Living: $46,849
Muskegon Heights, Michigan
- Unemployment Rate: 18.0%
- Median Income: $33,780
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 13.5%
- Annual Cost of Living: $27,483
Pahokee, Florida
- Unemployment Rate: 18.0%
- Median Income: $50,464
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 2.3%
- Annual Cost of Living: $40,259
East Cleveland, Ohio
- Unemployment Rate: 17.7%
- Median Income: $22,883
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 19.6%
- Annual Cost of Living: $26,641
Martins Ferry, Ohio
- Unemployment Rate: 17.5%
- Median Income: $43,073
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 10.7%
- Annual Cost of Living: $28,457
Flint, Michigan
- Unemployment Rate: 17.4%
- Median Income: $36,194
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 14.4%
- Annual Cost of Living: $27,801
Calumet Park, Illinois
- Unemployment Rate: 17.2%
- Median Income: $57,389
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 6.7%
- Annual Cost of Living: $36,162
Isla Vista, California
- Unemployment Rate: 17.1%
- Median Income: $24,428
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 27.0%
- Annual Cost of Living: $139,122
Clearlake, California
- Unemployment Rate: 16.9%
- Median Income: $41,580
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 9.6%
- Annual Cost of Living: $41,321
Oakdale, Louisiana
- Unemployment Rate: 16.6%
- Median Income: $45,038
- % Households with Income Under $10K: 9.7%
- Annual Cost of Living: $31,619
Editor’s Note: Images are for representational purposes and may not show the exact locations mentioned.
Methodology: This data was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Cities had to have a population of at least 5,000 and a minimum of 1,000 households. We analyzed the 50 cities with the highest unemployment rates, using other relevant data points as well. Cost of living information was provided by Sperling’s BestPlaces and included mortgage data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index as of January 2025 and the Federal Reserve Economic Data. All data is current as of February 25, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Jobless in the USA: 20 High-Unemployment Cities
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