State-by-state layoff statistics
Layoffs can have a major impact on individuals and can disrupt livelihoods. They create uncertainty in the workplace and erode trust in employee job performance and career outlook. This reduces job security and intensifies competition for available positions. For human resources (HR) professionals and workforce planners, it is important to understand where these layoffs occur in order to respond effectively and quickly.
Using state-level layoff data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in April 2025, a recent survey conducted by online HR platform TechR highlights the job market with the highest layoff rates. By calculating layoffs per 100,000 workers, researchers identified the states experiencing the most job market disruptions. The findings reveal significant regional differences and encourage a detailed investigation into workforce volatility and its implications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the findings and key points for employers and talent development professionals.
The highest layoff rate
New Jersey tops the list with layoffs of 1,843 per 100,000 workers. This is 62% higher than the national average. The state’s workforce totaled nearly 4.4 million, of which 81,000 workers were fired. Education and health services, finance and manufacturing are creating more jobs, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. However, hospitality and leisure, trade and transportation and construction have recorded unemployment.
Next was Vermont, where there were layoffs of 1,594 people per 100,000 workers. The total number of layoffs (5,000) is smaller, but it is important in states with over 310,000 workers. Virginia was behind with 1,521 layoffs. It led to 65,000 unemployment across a workforce of 4.27 million people.
These figures reflect significant workforce disruptions, regardless of the size of the state. “The study reveals that states like New Jersey, Vermont and Virginia are seeing the most sharp layoff rates compared to the size of their workforce,” a TechR spokesperson said. “This high layoff rate could be linked to wider economic changes, ranging from slow business activities to restructuring within major industries.”
Other notable discoveries
Florida was fourth, with 1,490 layoffs per 100,000 workers. The state reported a total of 150,000 layoffs from a workforce of over 10 million people. This level of volatility is not unexpected as states that rely heavily on tourism tend to experience greater fluctuations in employment within the hospitality, logistics and retail sectors.
New Hampshire has experienced 1,410 layoffs and a total of 10,000 layoffs from a 709,400 workforce. Connecticut, West Virginia, Arkansas, Rhode Island and Wyoming were also among the top 10 states with layoffs. Although some of these states have small economies and labor forces, these rates show high levels of short-term instability.
Meanwhile, Minnesota recorded the lowest layoff rate in the nation. This is 754 per 100,000 workers. This suggests relative stability that may be linked to the state’s workforce development initiative.
April 2025 (thousands) April 2025 (thousands) Layoffs (thousands) 1 layoff per 100,000 people. New Jersey 4394.5 81 1,8432. Vermont313.7 5 1,5943. Connecticut 1716.6 24 1,3987. West Virginia 716.3 10 1,3968. Arkansas 1379 19 1,3789. Rhode Island 515.8 7 1,35710. Wyoming296.9 4 1,347
Impact of HR on Experts
While this data is essential for economists and policy makers, it also directly affects talent, training and professionals managing organizational change. If you are an HR or workforce planning expert, now is the time to take action with focus and empathy.
These trends emphasize the importance of strengthening talent retention strategies, providing mental health support, and improving employee communication during organizational transitions. State and local organizations should implement targeted initiatives, such as reskilling programs and employment transition services.
“These changes represent the impact on our lives and the growing anxiety of thousands of households,” the spokesman said. “Tracking layoffs in relation to the size of the state’s workforce helps us understand where workers are most vulnerable and where support strategies are urgently needed.”
Retention prioritization
Layoffs affect not only those who are let go, but also the rest of the employees. The spread of layoff news can cause anxiety and distractions among those staying, leading to a loss of trust in the company’s leadership. HR teams need to strengthen communication, establish clear performance goals and demonstrate their long-term commitment to career development. Building a strong organizational culture promotes resilience and improves employee retention.
Reskills and cross training
A quick layoff allows you to create skill gaps and strain resources within the rest of the team. To navigate this, organizations can benefit from pondering, reskilling, and cross-training employees. These L&D programs are important to alleviate confusion and prepare your team for future changes. By helping employees move into new roles and take on various responsibilities, the organization can reduce stress, increase adaptability and maintain valuable knowledge.
Use data-driven insights
To effectively prepare for potential disruptions, HR and talent development leaders need to assess industry trends, succession plans and employee engagement metrics. By analyzing this data, they can predict change and develop positive strategies rather than simply responding to them.
Final Thoughts
The results of this study show how vulnerable the current job market in the US is. This data confirms that many HR professionals are likely to have already experienced it. It’s a changing, uncertain work situation that requires flexibility, foresight and compassion. Layoffs remain a major challenge for both employers and employees. However, if you continue to provide information, build a resilient workforce and create a support system, it can make a huge difference.
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