In fact, North Dakota — with its low unemployment rate for young adults and affordable rental rates — topped MoneyRates' list of "The Best States for Young People".
In a study that hones in on where 20- to 24-year-olds have the best shot at thriving in today's economy, MoneyRates analyzed eight economic and lifestyle factors in all 50 states, including: youth unemployment, education costs, costs and availability of rental housing, nightlife, and overall healthfulness.
Here, we've highlighted the percentage of 20- to 24 year-olds in each state, along with the unemployment rate of those aged 20 t0 24, from the US Census Bureau — for comparison purposes, the national unemployment rate for this age group is 9.4%.
We also highlighted the hourly wage you would need to rent a two-bedroom apartment in each state, according to a new CityLab study.
Read on to see which other states made the top 10:
10. District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7%
Youth unemployment rate: 12.9%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $28.04
9. Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.5%
Youth unemployment rate: 13.8%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $15.48
8. Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.4%
Youth unemployment rate: 7.8%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $14.54
7. Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.3%
Youth unemployment rate: 9.9%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $13.77
6. Montana
Saint Mary Lake in Montana.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.3%
Youth unemployment rate: 9.6%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $13.92
5. Wyoming
Leigh Lake in Wyoming.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.3%
Youth unemployment rate: 5.8%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $14.98
4. South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.2%
Youth unemployment rate: 7.2%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $13.41
3. Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.1%
Youth unemployment rate: 7.3%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $13.77
2. Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 7.20%
Youth unemployment rate: 8.6%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $13.46
1. North Dakota
Bismarck, North Dakota.
Percentage of population aged 20-24: 9.2%
Youth unemployment rate: 5%
Hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment: $14.40
