These 10 States Are the Safest Bets If You’re Afraid of Losing Your Job

The U.S. labor market is softer than previously understood, with the BLS revising job additions downward by 911,000 over the prior 12 months ending March 2025. Amidst this broader slowdown, a Techr study reveals significant regional disparities in job security, identifying Minnesota (754 layoffs per 100,000 workers) and Colorado (770) among states with the lowest layoff rates, contrasting with New Jersey's highest rate (1,843). This indicates a more challenging labor market environment overall, with pockets of regional strength that could influence economic forecasts and investment strategies.

Analysis

The headlines have been filled with news of a hiring slowdown lately. Losing a job can grip those impacted with fear, as they’re likely unsure of the future and what it holds for their household and finances. Worse yet, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the job market isn’t as healthy as once thought. A total of 911,000 fewer jobs were added over the prior 12 months ending in March 2025 than originally thought, according to the BLS. Be Aware: Mark Cuban Warns of ‘Red Rural Recession’ — 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard Check Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too Where you live may also play a part in job security. Online HR platform Techr recently released a study revealing which states are experiencing the fewest layoffs. Moving to a location to increase job security isn’t necessarily feasible, but the report does highlight which states may offer more job security in the current job market. Minnesota - Workforce (in thousands): 3,049.4 - Layoffs (in thousands): 23 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 754 Read More: The Living Wage a Family of 4 Needs in All 50 States Colorado - Workforce (in thousands): 2,988.5 - Layoffs (in thousands): 23 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 770 Missouri - Workforce (in thousands): 2,998.6 - Layoffs (in thousands): 24 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 800 Wisconsin - Workforce (in thousands): 3,050.5 - Layoffs (in thousands): 26 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 852 Washington - Workforce (in thousands): 3,664.1 - Layoffs (in thousands): 32 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 873 Iowa - Workforce (in thousands): 1,598.5 - Layoffs (in thousands): 14 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 876 Massachusetts - Workforce (in thousands): 3,725.2 - Layoffs (in thousands): 33 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 886 Texas - Workforce (in thousands): 14,312.7 - Layoffs (in thousands): 128 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 894 Pennsylvania - Workforce (in thousands): 6,221.4 - Layoffs (in thousands): 57 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 916 Hawaii - Workforce (in thousands): 651.4 - Layoffs (in thousands): 6 - Layoffs per 100,000 workers: 921 Where Job Security Is Strongest “These low layoff rates may reflect resilient state economies, steady demand in key sectors, or effective labor policies. It’s a positive signal for job seekers and businesses alike. By tracking layoffs per 100,000 workers, we get a clearer picture of where job security is strongest and where models of labor strength might be studied and replicated,” a representative from Techr said. In comparison, New Jersey had the highest layoff rate of 1,843 per 100,000 workers. Increasing your value as an employee is a good way to protect yourself in a slowing job market. If possible, pair that with living in a good state to provide more peace of mind. More From GOBankingRates - 5 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Fall 2025 - I Help People Retire Every Day -- Here's the Most Common Retirement Mistake People Make - 6 Clever Ways to Pocket an Extra $1K This Month - 6 Safe Accounts Proven to Grow Your Money Up to 13x Faster This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These 10 States Are the Safest Bets If You’re Afraid of Losing Your Job The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. The U.S. labor market is presenting a weaker profile than previously estimated, a conclusion underscored by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' downward revision of 911,000 jobs for the 12-month period ending in March 2025. This macro-level slowdown, however, masks significant regional disparities in labor market health. A study by Techr highlights this divergence, identifying states with notably resilient labor markets, such as Minnesota, which recorded the lowest layoff rate at 754 per 100,000 workers, followed by Colorado at 770. In stark contrast, New Jersey exhibited the highest rate at 1,843 layoffs per 100,000 workers. This data indicates that while the national employment picture is softening, pockets of economic strength persist. The implication for investors is that economic performance and consumer health will likely be uneven across the country, with states demonstrating lower layoff rates potentially offering a buffer against broader economic headwinds.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should review portfolio exposure to companies with high revenue concentration in states showing labor market weakness, such as New Jersey, as this may signal deteriorating local consumer demand.
• Consider overweighting positions in sectors or companies with significant operations in states demonstrating labor market resilience, like Minnesota and Colorado, which may experience more stable consumer spending.
• The downward revision of 911,000 jobs nationally warrants a cautious stance on consumer discretionary sectors, as they are particularly vulnerable to a broad-based hiring slowdown and declining consumer confidence.
• Monitor upcoming state-level employment and wage data to identify whether the divergence in labor market conditions is widening or narrowing, as this will be a key indicator for regional economic forecasting.