Business
As EU squeezes Russia, Serbia embraces old ally

Published
10 months agoon
By
AFP
While the European Union scrambles to isolate Russia and reduce energy imports from the country, EU candidate Serbia is tightening its bond with Moscow through a new gas supply deal.
Belgrade has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations, but it has refused to take part in sanctions against its old ally, even though Serbia aims to join the EU.
A day before the Europeans agreed to ban most Russian oil imports this week, Belgrade announced a three-year natural gas contract with Moscow, drawing a rebuke from Brussels.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic revealed the “very favourable” gas deal — with “by far the best terms in Europe” — following a phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Sunday.
“We will have a safe winter when it comes to gas supply,” the populist leader boasted, adding that in winter, Serbia will pay “one tenth” of the price shelled out by other European countries.
Russia, meanwhile, has cut gas supplies to several EU nations. The bloc aims to reduce gas imports by two-thirds this year, but an embargo is not in the cards so far.
Underscoring Belgrade’s friendly ties with Moscow, Serbian media reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to visit the Balkan country’s capital soon.
EU spokesman Peter Stano said the bloc expects Serbia “not to further strengthen its ties with Russia”.
“Candidate countries, including Serbia, are expected to progressively align their policies towards third countries with the policies and positions adopted by the European Union, including with restrictive measures,” Stano said in a statement.
– ‘Side deals’ –
Belgrade officially proclaims EU accession is a priority, but it has consistently shied away from European policies going against Russian interests while pro-government media echo the fierce messages coming from the Kremlin.
Serbian officials have accused Western countries of pressuring Belgrade to impose sanctions against Russia, and some even suggested that the country should drop its EU bid over the issue.
“It’s like they spent the last decade preparing Serbian society not for EU accession, but for an alliance with Moscow,” Srdjan Cvijic, member of The Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) think tank, told AFP.
According to a recent opinion poll, 40 percent of Serbians said they would be “happy” if their country gave up trying join the EU and formed an alliance with Russia instead.
Goran Vasic, assistant research professor at University of Novi Sad, said there is always a “brotherly clause” in gas prices that “is not in the contract but implies side deals or political concessions.”
Belgrade rejected the notion that cheap gas was the Kremlin’s “reward” for not heeding the calls for sanctions.
“All those who accuse us of not imposing sanctions against Russia because of a gas deal should be ashamed of themselves”, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told local media.
“We don’t impose sanctions against Russia out of principle.”
Lavrov told Serbian media that Moscow was “certain that they (Serbians) will continue taking the smart choice in this situation”.
The Russian chief diplomat’s potential trip to Belgrade would be a rare visit to Europe since the February invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has not confirmed the travel plan.
– Energy monopoly –
Serbia’s president has underlined the diplomatic importance of Russia’s refusal to allow international recognition of Serbia’s breakaway province of Kosovo and historic, political and cultural ties between Belgrade and Moscow.
But the reality is that there was little room for manoeuver from Belgrade.
The previous gas deal with Russia — which was also well under market price — was about to expire with no viable alternative in near future.
In the last few decades, Serbia gradually allowed Moscow almost complete monopoly over its energy sector by building pipelines solely for Russian gas and selling the majority stake of its oil and gas company (NIS) to Russian energy giant Gazprom.
The 2008 deal, penned only months after Kosovo declared independence, was widely seen as a political concession — allowing Moscow to connect a major European gas pipeline through Serbia in exchange for the Kremlin vetoeing the recognition of Kosovo at the UN.
“It’s obvious that all this time there was a well-organised lobbyist group that has defended the monopoly, and still continues to do so,” Vasic said.

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
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Business
Why aren’t more people buying their cars online?
A 2021 Carfax survey found that only 8% of buyers want to buy their next new or used car online.

Published
55 mins agoon
March 23, 2023By
Dave Gordon
The Covid-19 pandemic drove us into quarantine and lockdowns, and if you happened to be in the market for a new or used car, you probably weren’t schlepping to a dealership to make the purchase in-person. Rather, online transactions increased, and some say that’s the direction automotive retail we’ll continue to go.
According to a study by Capital One Auto Navigator, 56 percent of car dealers stepped up their use of digital tools in response to the pandemic. A Think with Google article said 63 percent of auto purchasers would consider ordering their next car online.
Besides Tesla’s online-only sales, online car sales have been around for some time, with various outlets including Cardoor.ca, Canadadrives.ca, Clutch.ca, Carnex.ca, Carvana and Vroom. But the pandemic served “as a catalyst to accelerate this transformation,” said Jessica Stafford, Senior Vice President, Consumer Solutions, Cox Automotive.
A 2022 study from Cox revealed that 81 percent of car shoppers felt that learning about their car online “improved the overall buying experience.” That included locating a dealer, looking up prices, finding vehicle specs, financing qualifications, investigating insurance products, and more.
“Amazon has trained consumers to be accustomed to being able to order whatever they need, not considering where it came from so long as they receive it in a timeframe that suits them, the price is within their budget, and the item is returnable,” she said. “This macro trend is now influencing car purchasing behavior with consumers open to receiving their cars from somewhere beyond their local market, as long as other conditions are favorable. In fact, many consumers now expect this, and are willing to pay a premium for some of these services.”
Cox’s data reveals buyers who complete more than 50 percent of the car shopping journey online were the most satisfied among all buyers. Reinforcing this view, Vog App Developers is expecting web-based apps for car consumers to become more the norm. That’s confirmed in this piece by Semetrical, that said nearly half of consumers are using their mobile devices to research their new car.
Unfortunately, the industry isn’t keeping up. OSF Digital reported that almost eighty per cent of dealerships’ websites lacked the functionality for proper vehicle searches, and just over five per cent had 360-view photographs of their stock.
Michael Carmichael, president and CEO of UpAuto.ca, said that though there’s a big push from auto makers and dealers to develop the online funnel, “there is very little demand. It’s the biggest solution looking for a problem.” He believes “the emotional tie to an auto purchase is reduced dramatically. People want to come to see the car themselves and they want a relationship with the seller.”
On the one hand, the online factor “plays a big role in an educational perspective — people doing their homework, [getting] information, and lots of pictures, and detail.”
On the other hand, however, there are too many drawbacks: “How does my child seat fit in the back? What if it’s a smoker’s car? You can return it, but who wants to go through that hassle? It’s a lot of money,” says Carmichael.
And he may be right: according to a 2021 Carfax Canada survey, only eight percent of Canadian buyers of new or used vehicles want to buy their next vehicle online.
One challenge he has faced is attempted digital fraud — two attempts in recent weeks — an issue he says is rampant. “There still has to be a signature, and someone has to validate that you are who you say you are,” noting that as a lingering problem with online sales. By the end of 2021, digital fraud had been twice the problem in Canada than anywhere else in the world.
Sam Lee, Carnex.ca’s finance manager, sees things differently.
“Purchasing a vehicle online is very straightforward,” he said. “It includes the vehicle’s imperfections and often, a good return policy. “What I see is the best model would be a hybrid system,” or more of an omnichannel approach. “In-person dealerships are time-consuming with pushy salespeople.”
EpicVin has delivered vehicle history reports for car buyers and displays used cars online, while working with hundreds of dealerships. Alex Black, its Chief Marketing Officer, says that photographs of cars have improved over time, as sellers have become more marketing savvy.
“Nowadays, using the VR technologies, one can even create a model of a perfect car and to order it. So we can definitely say that the world of technologies introduced significant changes in the online car selling process.” On this point, the US Automotive Dealership Benchmark Study saw a direct correlation of sales to VR availability.
Zach Klempf, founder and CEO of Selly Automotive, is an automotive market contributor who has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and other outlets.
“For the part of the industry where there is more wear and tear on the car, it gets hard to sell that entirely online,” he explained. “But if it’s a commodity like a brand new Camry or Corolla under warranty, no major incidents, there is a market for it. Some consumers go into dealerships
and completely change their mind on the car they want to buy once they see it and physically drive it.”
But things are looking a bit shaky for the online car industry, with volatile economic factors, noted Geoff Cudd, the CEO and founder of Find the Best Car Price. “With a diminishing supply of vehicles for sale, and the highest interest rates seen in years, the average price of a car is out of reach for the typical buyer. This is hurting all dealerships, but especially the online dealerships who overpaid to acquire vehicles from customers and they are now being forced to downsize in order to stay afloat.”
Betakit in January confirmed as such, reporting that layoffs have been increasing in the market.
Clutch and Canada Drives recently announced staff cuts, citing poor economic conditions. A representative from Clutch blamed a variety of factors, including “rising rates, supply chain disruptions, and volatile pricing.”
New York Times reported that Carvana took a quarterly loss of more than a half-billion dollars, and laid off four thousand staff. In the past year, used car values have dropped 20 percent, leaving dealers to offload stock for far less than they paid, according to the Times. Cox Automotive said that 2023 sales will likely be half of the year before.
It looks like in-person shopping is here to stay, at least in the foreseeable: “There is still a general resistance by dealerships to complete the entire transaction online. Most dealers still push for an in-person meeting where they are more confident that the sales process will result in additional sales of high-margin items for the dealership,” said Cudd.
The Covid-19 pandemic drove us into quarantine and lockdowns, and if you happened to be in the market for a new or used car, you probably weren’t schlepping to a dealership to make the purchase in-person. Rather, online transactions increased, and some say that’s the direction automotive retail we’ll continue to go.
According to a study by Capital One Auto Navigator, 56 percent of car dealers stepped up their use of digital tools in response to the pandemic. A Think with Google article said 63 percent of auto purchasers would consider ordering their next car online.
Besides Tesla’s online-only sales, online car sales have been around for some time, with various outlets including Cardoor.ca, Canadadrives.ca, Clutch.ca, Carnex.ca, Carvana and Vroom. But the pandemic served “as a catalyst to accelerate this transformation,” said Jessica Stafford, Senior Vice President, Consumer Solutions, Cox Automotive.
A 2022 study from Cox revealed that 81 percent of car shoppers felt that learning about their car online “improved the overall buying experience.” That included locating a dealer, looking up prices, finding vehicle specs, financing qualifications, investigating insurance products, and more.
“Amazon has trained consumers to be accustomed to being able to order whatever they need, not considering where it came from so long as they receive it in a timeframe that suits them, the price is within their budget, and the item is returnable,” she said. “This macro trend is now influencing car purchasing behavior with consumers open to receiving their cars from somewhere beyond their local market, as long as other conditions are favorable. In fact, many consumers now expect this, and are willing to pay a premium for some of these services.”
Cox’s data reveals buyers who complete more than 50 percent of the car shopping journey online were the most satisfied among all buyers. Reinforcing this view, Vog App Developers is expecting web-based apps for car consumers to become more the norm. That’s confirmed in this piece by Semetrical, that said nearly half of consumers are using their mobile devices to research their new car.
Unfortunately, the industry isn’t keeping up. OSF Digital reported that almost eighty per cent of dealerships’ websites lacked the functionality for proper vehicle searches, and just over five per cent had 360-view photographs of their stock.
Michael Carmichael, president and CEO of UpAuto.ca, said that though there’s a big push from auto makers and dealers to develop the online funnel, “there is very little demand. It’s the biggest solution looking for a problem.” He believes “the emotional tie to an auto purchase is reduced dramatically. People want to come to see the car themselves and they want a relationship with the seller.”
On the one hand, the online factor “plays a big role in an educational perspective — people doing their homework, [getting] information, and lots of pictures, and detail.”
On the other hand, however, there are too many drawbacks: “How does my child seat fit in the back? What if it’s a smoker’s car? You can return it, but who wants to go through that hassle? It’s a lot of money,” says Carmichael.
And he may be right: according to a 2021 Carfax Canada survey, only eight percent of Canadian buyers of new or used vehicles want to buy their next vehicle online.
One challenge he has faced is attempted digital fraud — two attempts in recent weeks — an issue he says is rampant. “There still has to be a signature, and someone has to validate that you are who you say you are,” noting that as a lingering problem with online sales. By the end of 2021, digital fraud had been twice the problem in Canada than anywhere else in the world.
Sam Lee, Carnex.ca’s finance manager, sees things differently.
“Purchasing a vehicle online is very straightforward,” he said. “It includes the vehicle’s imperfections and often, a good return policy. “What I see is the best model would be a hybrid system,” or more of an omnichannel approach. “In-person dealerships are time-consuming with pushy salespeople.”
EpicVin has delivered vehicle history reports for car buyers and displays used cars online, while working with hundreds of dealerships. Alex Black, its Chief Marketing Officer, says that photographs of cars have improved over time, as sellers have become more marketing savvy.
“Nowadays, using the VR technologies, one can even create a model of a perfect car and to order it. So we can definitely say that the world of technologies introduced significant changes in the online car selling process.” On this point, the US Automotive Dealership Benchmark Study saw a direct correlation of sales to VR availability.
Zach Klempf, founder and CEO of Selly Automotive, is an automotive market contributor who has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and other outlets.
“For the part of the industry where there is more wear and tear on the car, it gets hard to sell that entirely online,” he explained. “But if it’s a commodity like a brand new Camry or Corolla under warranty, no major incidents, there is a market for it. Some consumers go into dealerships
and completely change their mind on the car they want to buy once they see it and physically drive it.”
But things are looking a bit shaky for the online car industry, with volatile economic factors, noted Geoff Cudd, the CEO and founder of Find the Best Car Price. “With a diminishing supply of vehicles for sale, and the highest interest rates seen in years, the average price of a car is out of reach for the typical buyer. This is hurting all dealerships, but especially the online dealerships who overpaid to acquire vehicles from customers and they are now being forced to downsize in order to stay afloat.”
Betakit in January confirmed as such, reporting that layoffs have been increasing in the market.
Clutch and Canada Drives recently announced staff cuts, citing poor economic conditions. A representative from Clutch blamed a variety of factors, including “rising rates, supply chain disruptions, and volatile pricing.”
New York Times reported that Carvana took a quarterly loss of more than a half-billion dollars, and laid off four thousand staff. In the past year, used car values have dropped 20 percent, leaving dealers to offload stock for far less than they paid, according to the Times. Cox Automotive said that 2023 sales will likely be half of the year before.
It looks like in-person shopping is here to stay, at least in the foreseeable: “There is still a general resistance by dealerships to complete the entire transaction online. Most dealers still push for an in-person meeting where they are more confident that the sales process will result in additional sales of high-margin items for the dealership,” said Cudd.

Dave is a journalist whose work has appeared in more than 100 media outlets around the world, including BBC, National Post, Washington Times, Globe and Mail, New York Times, Baltimore Sun.

The Midwest may be best known for its big cities of Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis, but prospective homebuyers may want to turn their attention to the region’s small towns.
Across the 12 Midwest states are suburban and rural villages with more charm than size, which make for an ideal home. What these towns lack in size, they more than make up for in historical sites, lush woodlands, and friendly locals. Plus, residents can enjoy the accessibility to larger cities nearby without enduring the hustle and bustle of living in them.
To determine which of the Midwest’s small towns are the best places to live, Stacker used data from Niche’s 2022 Best Places to Live and narrowed the results to places in the Midwest with less than 5,000 residents. Niche determined its rankings by assessing factors such as cost of living, quality of public schools, crime and safety, and access to health resources. For each town, Stacker included the population, percentage of homeowners, percentage of renters, and median income.
You may also like: The richest town in every state
SilentMatt Psychedelic // Wikimedia Commons
#25. Glenwillow, Ohio
– Population: 861
– Median home value: $225,000 (84% own)
– Median rent: $716 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $84,000
Founded in 1893 as a company town by ammunition manufacturer Austin Powder Company, Glenwillow, Ohio, has been revamped. Old manufacturing facilities and housing stock have been replaced with boutiques, restaurants, and a modernized residential district. The quaint village is also part of the Solon School District, consistently rated as one of the best school systems in the state.
Lrgjr72 // Wikimedia Commons
#24. Franklin, Michigan
– Population: 2,790
– Median home value: $612,900 (93% own)
– Median rent: $3,354 (7% rent)
– Median household income: $155,703
With an impressive amount of preserved historical architecture dating to the early 19th century, Franklin, Michigan, is home to the state’s first designated historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town, just 20 minutes from Detroit, is renowned for its large homes.
N K // Shutterstock
#23. Tower Lakes, Illinois
– Population: 1,340
– Median home value: $465,800 (97% own)
– Median rent: $2,350 (3% rent)
– Median household income: $148,750
This small town is much more than just a Chicago suburb, although its proximity to the Windy City is part of its appeal. Tower Lakes, Illinois, is built around two lakes and prides itself on preserving the health and beauty of its environment. Residents regularly participate in reforestation and clean-up efforts; the town has been designated as a “tree city” by the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 25 years.
Jim Packett // Shutterstock
#22. Bayside, Wisconsin
– Population: 4,579
– Median home value: $349,000 (79% own)
– Median rent: $1,411 (21% rent)
– Median household income: $114,814
Bayside, Wisconsin, is a village in Milwaukee that is home to an environmentally minded community—with 15% of the town’s total acreage devoted to nature conservation. It’s home to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, with six miles of trails through woods and along Lake Michigan.
Quint2724 // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Westwood, Kansas
– Population: 1,834
– Median home value: $315,400 (81% own)
– Median rent: $1,520 (19% rent)
– Median household income: $77,750
Westwood is a town in northeastern Kansas that features large parks, cycling trails, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It is also home to several University of Kansas hospital facilities, including the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
#20. Meridian Hills, Indiana
– Population: 1,736
– Median home value: $554,900 (100% own)
– Median rent: $2,667 (0% rent)
– Median household income: $172,969
Located just six miles from Indianapolis, Meridian Hills, Indiana, is best known for its high-end residential community. Established in 1937, the 1.5-square-mile town is characterized by rolling hills, rippling streams, and trails for hiking.
Ursula Page // Shutterstock
#19. Fairway, Kansas
– Population: 4,147
– Median home value: $459,600 (91% own)
– Median rent: $1,642 (9% rent)
– Median household income: $136,579
Located close to several golf courses, this small town lives up to the inspiration behind its name with its expansive green lawns. Fairway, Kansas, is also rich in historical sites, including one National Historic Landmark—the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site.
David Prahl // Shutterstock
#18. River Hills, Wisconsin
– Population: 1,496
– Median home value: $637,900 (97% own)
– Median rent: $99 (3% rent)
– Median household income: $178,750
River Hills, Wisconsin, has a rich history as a summer and vacation home destination for wealthy Midwesterners. The local country club held fox hunts and polo matches well into the 1960s. The town housed a Nike anti-aircraft missile site during the Cold War. Today, the community is the only one in Milwaukee County that is zoned 100% residential, with exceptions for a country club, houses of worship, a school, and a sculpture garden.
Stephanie Frey // Shutterstock
#17. Moreland Hills, Ohio
– Population: 3,436
– Median home value: $463,000 (94% own)
– Median rent: $1,723 (6% rent)
– Median household income: $182,100
Located just 14 miles from Cleveland, Moreland Hills, Ohio, is an affluent suburb that prides itself on its history. The town is the birthplace of 20th president James A. Garfield. He is commemorated with four key sites along the Garfield Trail of Ohio, including a replica of the log cabin where Garfield was born.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Orange, Ohio
– Population: 3,410
– Median home value: $373,600 (92% own)
– Median rent: $2,262 (8% rent)
– Median household income: $133,681
Orange, Ohio, is a Cleveland suburb with more than 60 acres of park space, including a golf course, hiking trails, and community garden. The town center frequently hosts festivals and celebrations for the close-knit community.
WNstock // Shutterstock
#15. Kildeer, Illinois
– Population: 4,093
– Median home value: $639,900 (99% own)
– Median rent: $961 (1% rent)
– Median household income: $226,375
Kildeer, Illinois, is a Chicago suburb consisting of several upscale residential areas and four shopping centers. Its founders limited housing development exclusively to custom houses on large lots. The town is home to Kemper Lakes, a prestigious golf club that has hosted many major golf championships, including the PGA Championship.
dezy // Shutterstock
#14. Leland Grove, Illinois
– Population: 1,336
– Median home value: $235,100 (95% own)
– Median rent: $1,059 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $123,810
Founded in 1950, Leland Grove offers residents plenty of trails and parks for a breath of fresh air in addition to a variety of restaurants and shops. The Springfield, Illinois, suburb covers 400 acres of grasslands and is known for its lush greenery.
On The Run Photo // Shutterstock
#13. Kenilworth, Illinois
– Population: 2,423
– Median home value: $1,286,500 (95% own)
– Median rent: $3,501 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $250,001
Kenilworth, Illinois, founded in 1889, is a Chicago suburb bordering Lake Michigan. The town is home to some impressive architecture thanks to the city’s former architect and town planner George W. Maher, a colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s own structure, a Prairie School-style home named the Hiram Baldwin House, is also located in the village.
Lori Butcher // Shutterstock
#12. Riverwoods, Illinois
– Population: 3,742
– Median home value: $705,700 (95% own)
– Median rent: $3,238 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $213,068
Riverwoods, Illinois, is a village on the banks of the Des Plaines River located within flourishing, expansive woodlands. The town prides itself on its scenery and actively involves community members in protecting the surrounding environment.
BublikHaus // Shutterstock
#11. Warson Woods, Missouri
– Population: 2,229
– Median home value: $470,500 (98% own)
– Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
– Median household income: $173,333
Warson Woods, Missouri, is a town just west of St. Louis and offers residents an abundance of services, including a pool, pavilion for parties, and food truck nights in the summer.
ET Tisomboon // Shutterstock
#10. Lauderdale, Minnesota
– Population: 2,479
– Median home value: $235,500 (50% own)
– Median rent: $1,220 (50% rent)
– Median household income: $68,313
Lauderdale, Minnesota, five miles from Minneapolis, offers residents a mix of urban and suburban living with its combination of shopping districts and residential neighborhoods. The town was named after businessman William Henry Lauderdale, who purchased and donated the land that became the site of the town’s first school and park.
JonHarder // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Hesston, Kansas
– Population: 3,823
– Median home value: $147,300 (55% own)
– Median rent: $658 (45% rent)
– Median household income: $57,370
Hesston, Kansas, is a tightly knit community located 30 miles from Wichita. The town regularly involves residents in cleanup and other initiatives to preserve its scenic environment, which includes expansive fields, parks, and a golf course. The town is also home to two large farm equipment manufacturing plants.
Greg Hume // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Mariemont, Ohio
– Population: 3,497
– Median home value: $407,800 (70% own)
– Median rent: $1,192 (30% rent)
– Median household income: $120,281
Much of Mariemont, Ohio, is built in classic English architectural styles, ranging from the Norman to the Georgian. The village square is designed in Tudor style, and the town is one of the few in America to still have a town crier. Its dedication to preserving bygone eras has earned the town a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
#7. Oakland, Missouri
– Population: 1,473
– Median home value: $343,400 (79% own)
– Median rent: $1,234 (21% rent)
– Median household income: $106,597
Oakland, Missouri, may have a total area of just 0.61 square miles, but it wastes no space—the town contains three city parks and plenty of shops and restaurants. The community prides itself on the variety of architecture found within the city limits, which includes everything from arts-and-crafts-style cottages to modern homes.
Appz Dreamer // Shutterstock
#6. Rock Hill, Missouri
– Population: 4,728
– Median home value: $212,000 (84% own)
– Median rent: $1,122 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $78,529
Rock Hill, Missouri, is a suburb of St. Louis. It is a lovely mix of commercial and residential properties. The 1841 Greek Revival Fairfax House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kamil Zelezik // Shutterstock
#5. Bannockburn, Illinois
– Population: 1,315
– Median home value: $987,500 (84% own)
– Median rent: $1,075 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $147,500
Bannockburn, Illinois, was developed by a Scottish real estate developer who planned a number of country estates for residents to live on in the early 20th century. The town was originally planned to be purely residential, but today has a mix of business and residential buildings, affording residents a peaceful place to live while also giving them easy access to goods and services.
Kristi Blokhin // Shutterstock
#4. Sixteen Mile Stand, Ohio
– Population: 3,589
– Median home value: $479,800 (56% own)
– Median rent: $1,384 (44% rent)
– Median household income: $109,142
Sixteen Mile Stand, Ohio, was originally a stagecoach stop 16 miles from Cincinnati. Today, an extensive park system offers residents plenty of green space, and lots of local sports opportunities. Trails built around the city also allow hikers to get moving any time they like.
Asher Heimermann // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Kohler, Wisconsin
– Population: 2,072
– Median home value: $284,000 (91% own)
– Median rent: $1,208 (9% rent)
– Median household income: $111,563
Kohler, Wisconsin, was founded in the early 20th century as a company town for the Kohler Company, best known for its plumbing equipment. Kohler is still the largest employer in the town and abides by the standards set by its founder to create and maintain a hybrid garden-industrial town with charm and character.
LittleT889 // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Frontenac, Missouri
– Population: 3,614
– Median home value: $757,700 (98% own)
– Median rent: $1,707 (2% rent)
– Median household income: $200,625
Frontenac, Missouri, is an elegant town just west of St. Louis. It is mixed commercial and residential, with Plaza Frontenac, a luxurious historic shopping mall, sitting in its center. Numerous homes in the town were built in the mid-19th century.
Artazum // Shutterstock
#1. Ottawa Hills, Ohio
– Population: 4,762
– Median home value: $297,700 (86% own)
– Median rent: $1,580 (14% rent)
– Median household income: $165,938
When the hit film “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” premiered in 1948, the studio built a replica house right in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, as a promotion for the movie. The town was the perfect idyllic setting for a replica house, which is now a family home.

Founded in 2017, Stacker combines data analysis with rich editorial context, drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.

It’s been three years since the arrival of COVID-19 triggered historic job losses, and the looming stress of potential layoffs has once again lodged itself in the minds of American workers.
Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to compare preliminary December layoff levels and rates across all 50 states and Washington D.C. States are ranked primarily by their layoff rates, then by the total number of layoffs.
Data released by the agency for January shows a slight uptick in layoffs, but the bureau’s data for December is the most recent available that allows an analysis of the layoff rate by state. The bureau calculates layoff rates by taking the number of layoffs and discharges through the end of the month, and dividing that by the total number of people who worked during that month.
If you’re worried the next pay day could come with a surprise message telling you to check your inbox for a termination notice, you aren’t alone.
In December, 1 in 3 Americans surveyed by LinkedIn said they worried about the potential of layoffs at their place of business. Workers responded with varying anxiety levels, however, depending on their sector. Those holding jobs in product management, quality assurance, marketing, finance, and IT expressed the most anxiety.
That’s despite an annual average layoff rate of just 1% of workers nationwide for 2022. Large shares of the roughly 1.5 million workers laid off in 2022 made headlines, with layoffs at massive tech firms like Google, Salesforce, and Microsoft dominating corporate media and cable news shows. That publicity can have the effect of warping reality for consumers.
Still, layoff activity hit those fields reporting high anxiety about losing their jobs particularly hard in recent months. In January, the professional and business services sector experienced the most significant uptick in layoffs. The industry includes IT jobs, accountants, financial advisers, and lawyers.
Stacker’s analysis found that layoff activity has varied from state to state much as it has varied across industries. Layoff rates as a ratio of the workforce were above the national average in 23 states.
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#51. Arizona
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#50. Pennsylvania
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 44,000 (3.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#49. New York
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 70,000 (4.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#48. Washington DC
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#47. Connecticut
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#46. Oregon
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 15,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#45. Minnesota
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 24,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#44. Massachusetts
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 29,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#43. Virginia
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 34,000 (2.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#42. North Carolina
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 41,000 (2.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#41. Florida
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 74,000 (5.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#40. Texas
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 107,000 (7.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#39. New Mexico
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 8,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#38. Nevada
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 14,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#37. Utah
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 15,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#36. Colorado
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 26,000 (1.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#35. Washington
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 31,000 (2.1% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#34. Vermont
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 3,000 (0.2% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#33. Hawaii
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#32. Nebraska
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 10,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#31. Arkansas
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#30. Kentucky
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 20,000 (1.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#29. Wisconsin
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 30,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#28. Tennessee
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 34,000 (2.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#27. Michigan
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 44,000 (3.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#26. Georgia
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 48,000 (3.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#25. Ohio
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 53,000 (3.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#24. California
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 174,000 (11.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#22. Delaware
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#22. South Dakota
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#21. Maine
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 7,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#20. West Virginia
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 8,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#19. Mississippi
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#18. Alabama
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#17. Maryland
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 29,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#16. North Dakota
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#15. Rhode Island
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#14. Kansas
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 17,000 (1.2% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#13. Iowa
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 19,000 (1.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#12. Louisiana
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#11. South Carolina
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 26,000 (1.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#10. Illinois
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 71,000 (4.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#9. Idaho
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 11,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#8. Oklahoma
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 22,000 (1.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#7. Missouri
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 39,000 (2.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#6. Wyoming
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 4,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#5. Montana
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 7,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#4. New Jersey
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 58,000 (4.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#3. Alaska
– Layoff rate: 1.5% (0.5 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#2. Indiana
– Layoff rate: 1.5% (0.5 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 48,000 (3.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#1. New Hampshire
– Layoff rate: 1.6% (0.6 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 11,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)

Founded in 2017, Stacker combines data analysis with rich editorial context, drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.
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