10 U.S. States with the Lowest Unemployment Rates

Despite its tourism-dominant economy, Hawaii surprisingly avoided much of the recession. Whether it's due to the proliferation of millionaires (Hawaii has the highest percentage of millionaires in the general population), or a limited supply of real estate, Hawaii's economy has remained strong over the last few years. 

Staple industries -- sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, whaling and sandalwood -- coupled with strong military and education-based employment sectors have also helped to keep the sun shining on Hawaii.

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Unemployment has stayed below national averages in Iowa because of its diversified economy. Generally thought of as an agriculture-driven economy, Iowa is home to a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance and government-service. In fact, Iowa is one of nine states that received a Triple-A rating in 2009 from Standard & Poor's (S&P). 

Iowa also ranks 1st in the U.S. in corn, soybean, hog and egg production with farm receipts of $15.1 billion in 2007.

High commodity prices, agricultural subsidies, steady tourism and energy extraction in the state’s northeast have kept Wyoming’s unemployment rate among the lowest in the country. 

Jackson Hole, a popular skiing destination, and other outdoor recreation hot spots like Grand Teton National Park have remained popular tourist attractions in the midst of the recession, helping keep jobs in Wyoming.

Farming -- including dairy production and logging -- has kept Vermont strong in the midst of a stuttering economy. Non-farm jobs in finance and government are also on the uptick in Vermont, pushing the unemployment rate well below the national average at 5.7%. 

With a well-educated workforce, Vermont's economy is poised to maintain a below average unemployment rate.

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Oil and natural gas have always been a big part of the economy in Oklahoma and it has helped lessen the blow of the recession. The state is ranked second in the nation in production of natural gas and fifth in crude oil, making energy a sizable employer. 

Oklahoma also has a significant agricultural economy. High wheat prices coupled with having the fifth-highest grain production in the country means that Oklahoma farms have flourished.

Other sectors, including manufacturing, professional and business services, educational/health services and leisure/hospitality, have also seen growth, further strengthening the Oklahoma economy. 

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Despite the decline of manufacturing in the Rust Belt, the industry has remained strong in New Hampshire. This New England state produces electric equipment, plastic products, rubber, machinery and textiles. 

Agriculture also plays an important role in the economy with dairy products, nursery stock, cattle, apples and eggs as prominent outputs. As tourism returned to the state last year, the winter ski season brought much-needed dollars streaming into the state's small businesses, and an abundance of hospitality jobs for workers.

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Strong retail, health and finance sectors have powered employment numbers for South Dakota. Military and other government jobs have also remained steady throughout the downturn -- Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, is the second-largest single employer in the state.

Agriculture crops and livestock, including wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, beef and pork, are the state's second leading industry with a $19 billion impact. 

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A hub of agriculture and transportation, Nebraska's economy has continued to thrive without feeling the effects of the housing bubble. In fact, the strength of Nebraska's agricultural economy -- which includes cattle, beans and corn -- has provided steady work for Nebraskans statewide.

The slow and steady approach to growth in both the housing and economic sectors has worked in favor of the cornhusker state as Nebraska's unemployment rate (4.1%) is less than half the national average. 

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A combination of high energy and agriculture prices has helped bolster the economy in North Dakota, where the U.S. gets 50% of its spring wheat, 95% of its flaxseed and 35% of its barley. North Dakota experienced an oil boom when the largest oil field found in North America in the past 40 years was discovered there.

The U.S. Geological Survey says at least four billion barrels of recoverable oil are in the state, and others estimate even more.