Best and worst states ranked by various indicators.
The cost of living in the U.S. varies by as much as $75,000 per year between the most and least expensive states. Hawaii is the most expensive state with annual household costs of $141,127, while Oklahoma is the cheapest at $66,284. Housing costs are the biggest driver of state differences, followed by groceries, utilities, healthcare, and taxes.
South Dakota posted the lowest unemployment rate in the United States in June 2026 at 2.0 percent, followed by North Dakota at 2.3 percent and Hawaii and Vermont at 2.6 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, and 17 states had rates significantly below that level. These figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state employment and unemployment report released July 21, 2026.
In June 2026, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2%, with state rates ranging from 2.6% in Hawaii to 6.0% in the District of Columbia. Most states saw little change over the month, but 13 states recorded higher jobless rates than a year earlier, led by Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois.
The 2020 Census shows the United States had an average population density of 93.8 people per square mile, but density varies dramatically by state. New Jersey is the most densely populated state at 1,263.0 people per square mile, while Alaska is the least dense at just 1.3. The District of Columbia, though not a state, far exceeds all states with 11,280.0 people per square mile.
In June 2026, California and Connecticut tied for the highest state unemployment rate at 5.2%, well above the national rate of 4.2%. Illinois followed at 5.1%, with Michigan, Arizona, Delaware, and New Mexico also among the highest. The District of Columbia, though not a state, posted 6.0%.