5 US States With The Highest Labor Shortages

In this article, we will look at the 5 US states with the highest labor shortages. We have also discussed the implications of the labor shortages for businesses in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 15 US States With The Highest Labor Shortages.

5. New Hampshire

Unemployed Workers for Every 100 Job Openings: 40

New Hampshire is fighting with a frightening labor shortage, falling into the most severe category with only 40 available workers for every 100 open jobs. Job openings have increased by 20.6% between February 2020 and July 2023, reaching 49,000 openings. Despite this increase, the state is struggling to find suitable candidates to fill these positions, with various factors contributing to the shortage.

The decline in immigration, with only 247,000 people legally entering the United States in 2021, down 76 percent from the previous decade’s high, has worsened the problem. Additionally, early retirements, increased savings, and challenges related to childcare and family responsibilities during the pandemic have hindered workforce participation. The “great reshuffle” and “great resignation” phenomena have further compounded the issue, with approximately 3.5 million people quitting their jobs in August alone.