Bend has the No. 1 job market in the country, according to a study by SmartAsset
Barney Lerten
NEW YORK (KTVZ) — Bend’s job market leads the country, according to a new data-driven study of nearly 350 U.S. cities by the financial technology company SmartAsset.
The study analyzed 348 U.S. cities to evaluate key factors that impact workers and families, including income growth, unemployment, health insurance coverage, commute times, and remote work flexibility, to determine where job seekers and working households are best positioned for long-term success.
“Bend stood out for its strong performance across multiple indicators,” SmartAsset PR Manager Vanishaa Doshi told KTVZ News. “This ranking reflects how local economic conditions are helping residents not just find work, but build wealth, maintain work-life balance, and access important benefits like employer-sponsored health insurance.”
“Bend residents reflected a combination of relatively low unemployment (3.1%) and high income growth at 44.2% over three years,” the report said. “At the same time, work is accessible and flexible for many, with an average commute time of 16 minutes, while 26.9% work remotely.”
SmartAsset said it ranked those 348 U.S. cities based on six metrics from the latest Census Bureau data to help households determine which job markets might be most suitable for their financial goals.
“The demand for different career paths and qualifications varies widely from place to place, often depending on local economic features, including geography, infrastructure, politics, culture and resources,” the report said.
“Similarly, what makes one job market more appealing than others can depend on a job-hunter’s financial and familial circumstances. Not only does the presence of jobs and a high income count, but many households rely on health insurance, the possibility for income growth, a short enough commute to allow work-life balance, or even remote work in full.”
Find more details at: https://smartasset.com/data-studies/best-job-markets-2025.