Florida ranked among worst states for jobs. Where was unemployment lowest? - USA Today

Florida was among WalletHub's worst states for jobs, according to a new report.

The personal finance company ranked all 50 states based on a variety of metrics, including job opportunities, employment growth, unemployment rates, median annual incomes and monthly average starting salaries. The full methodology used to compile the rankings is available via WalletHub.

"The best states for jobs make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs, and employers in these states also offer very competitive compensation and benefits," Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, said in a news release.

Florida ranked 47th out of 50, and received a total score of 46.83, a job market rank of 49 and an economic environment rank of 14. For reference, the best state for jobs, Nebraska, had a total score of 64.24, a job market rank of 2 and an economic environment rank of 23 — according to WalletHub.

Florida's unemployment rate dropped for the fourth month in a row in September, and Miami-Dade County's rate was the lowest in the state.

Florida's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in September, down from 4.5% in August, 4.6% in July, 4.7% in June and 4.8% in May, according to Florida Commerce.

Florida's September unemployment rate was up 0.2 percentage points from the year prior, according to the organization. Nationwide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% in September.

Those who are without a job, looking for one and "available for work" are considered unemployed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The survey used to gather employment data "excludes people living in institutions," as well as those "on active duty" in the military.

The bureau provides a full breakdown of how unemployment statistics are gathered.

In September 2026, Miami-Dade County had the "state's lowest unemployment rate," according to Florida Commerce, not seasonally adjusted. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area had an unemployment rate of 3.2%, not seasonally adjusted.

In September of 2026, Taylor County had the state's "highest unemployment rate," according to Florida Commerce, not seasonally adjusted.

Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.