Special Report

States Where the Most People Work for the Government

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

20. Arkansas
> Gov’t. employees, 2018: 16.8% of workforce
> Gov’t employment change, 2008-2018: -0.7% (213,800 to 212,200)
> State gov’t. spending per capita: $9,087 (13th lowest)
> Population density: 56 per sq. mi. (17th lowest)

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19. Idaho
> Gov’t. employees, 2018: 16.9% of workforce
> Gov’t employment change, 2008-2018: +4.8% (119,200 to 124,900)
> State gov’t. spending per capita: $7,284 (the lowest)
> Population density: 19 per sq. mi. (7th lowest)

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18. Nebraska
> Gov’t. employees, 2018: 17.0% of workforce
> Gov’t employment change, 2008-2018: +5.9% (163,900 to 173,500)
> State gov’t. spending per capita: $12,016 (10th highest)
> Population density: 24 per sq. mi. (8th lowest)

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

17. South Carolina
> Gov’t. employees, 2018: 17.2% of workforce
> Gov’t employment change, 2008-2018: +3.8% (355,500 to 369,000)
> State gov’t. spending per capita: $9,461 (17th lowest)
> Population density: 154 per sq. mi. (19th highest)

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16. Washington
> Gov’t. employees, 2018: 17.2% of workforce
> Gov’t employment change, 2008-2018: +7.4% (546,300 to 586,700)
> State gov’t. spending per capita: $11,732 (14th highest)
> Population density: 101 per sq. mi. (25th highest)

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