Report on the Best Job Markets in the United States with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In the context of the recent economic slowdown affecting hiring rates, a comprehensive study by SmartAsset has identified the best job markets across 348 U.S. cities. This report highlights key factors aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Methodology and SDG Alignment

SmartAsset’s ranking is based on six critical factors derived from the latest Census Bureau data, including:

• Unemployment rates (2023) – supporting SDG 8 by promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
• Income growth – reflecting improvements in economic well-being and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).
• Health insurance coverage – contributing to SDG 3 by ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• Median commute times – relevant to SDG 11 by fostering sustainable urban mobility and reducing environmental impact.
• Percentage of remote workers – enhancing work-life balance and reducing carbon footprints, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) indirectly.

Top Cities with the Best Overall Job Markets

1. Bend, Oregon
   • Unemployment rate: 3.1%
   • Median income growth (2020-2023): 44%, ranking fourth nationally
   • Median commute time: 16 minutes
   • Remote work participation: Over 25%
   • SDG Impact: Promotes decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), supports sustainable cities (SDG 11), and encourages well-being (SDG 3).
2. Richmond, Virginia
   • Median income growth: 50% (highest in the study)
   • Strong economic indicators supporting SDG 8 and SDG 10.
3. Seattle, Washington
   • Robust job market with emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
   • Contributes to SDG 8 and SDG 11.

Cities with Highest Health Care Coverage for Workers

Access to health care is a critical component of SDG 3. The following cities demonstrate exemplary employer-provided health insurance coverage:

• Santa Clara, California: Over 88% of workers have private health insurance through employers.
• Cambridge, Massachusetts: Approximately 87% health coverage rate.
• Bellevue, Washington: Similar coverage levels around 87%.

Cities with Shortest Commutes and Remote Work Opportunities

Reducing commute times and increasing remote work participation contribute to sustainable urban development (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13) by lowering emissions and improving quality of life.

• Wichita Falls, Texas: Median commute time of 14 minutes, among the shortest nationally.
• Abilene, Texas: Median commute time approximately 14 minutes.
• Topeka, Kansas: Median commute time approximately 15 minutes.

Regarding remote work prevalence:

• Frisco, Texas: Over 32% of workers operate remotely, enhancing work-life balance.
• Berkeley, California: 29% remote workers.
• Charlotte, North Carolina: 28% remote workers.

Conclusion

The SmartAsset study underscores the importance of integrating economic growth with health, well-being, and sustainable urban living, directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Cities leading in job market quality demonstrate that fostering decent work, ensuring health coverage, and promoting sustainable commuting options are essential strategies for achieving the SDGs and improving the livelihoods of workers across the United States.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article focuses on job markets, unemployment rates, income growth, and employment conditions, which are central to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses health insurance coverage for workers, which relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article addresses median commute times and remote work percentages, which relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by improving urban mobility and reducing commute-related stress and pollution.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
2. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • Unemployment rate (2023 data) – measures the proportion of the labor force that is unemployed.
   • Income growth – median income growth percentage from 2020 to 2023, indicating economic progress and wage improvements.
   • Percentage of remote workers – reflects changes in work patterns and employment conditions.
2. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • Percentage of workers with employer-provided health insurance – an indicator of health coverage and access to healthcare services.
3. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Median commute time – measures accessibility and efficiency of transport systems.
   • Percentage of remote workers – indirectly relates to reduced transportation needs and urban congestion.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com