MSNBC (02/14/12) Charles B. Stockdale; Michael B. Sauter

Gallup’s Job Creation Index shows that 31% of U.S. workers reported in 2011 that their companies were hiring, and only 18% indicated their firms were eliminating positions. An analysis of the index and other economic indicators by 24/7 Wall St. reveals eight states where residents believe most of the hiring is taking place. North Dakota leads the pack, with 42.4% of residents saying their employers are hiring. Iowa ranks second, with 34% of workers indicating their companies are hiring, followed by Oklahoma, Utah, and Nebraska. Rounding out the list are Indiana, West Virginia, and South Dakota.