Most of the nation is panicking over an escalating unemployment rate, with some states now in the double digits.

But there are some states that are doing OK. The following all have rates below 5 percent: Wyoming, 3.7 percent; North Dakota, 4.2 percent; Nebraska, 4.3 percent; South Dakota, 4.4 percent; and Utah, 4.6 percent, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics yesterday.

In previous severe downturns, Americans have moved for jobs to regions that were better off than others. During The Great Depression there were mass migrations by people desperate for work and food.

This from a Utah oral history project, and an interview with Revo Young, a man that lived through it:

“There were lots of people who moved away, and lots of people who lived in cities who came home to live because they were able to have gardens. So there were lots of people on the move,” Young said.

The Great Depression left a legacy of migration. For some this resulted in actual physical moves in the search for sustenance; for others the change was in their minds and emotions as they moved from a sense of security to the constant fear that their livelihood could disappear.

The country is very different than it was then, when so much of the nation’s livelihood was dependent on agriculture. So does mass migration for work make sense today?

If you’re desperate for work, it may be time to explore your options, but don’t make any rash decisions.

“Moving to a city without substantial leads for a job only makes sense when there is a great difference in the job market between the two cities and if you are renting,” advises Robert Trumble, professor of management at Virginia Commonwealth University and director of the Virginia Labor Studies Center.

“Otherwise,” he adds, “just go and explore but keep your home. Jobs overwhelmingly come from contacts. Explore all of your contacts first before exploring a new city. The grass is not necessarily that much greener in new pasture. ”

It’s definitely difficult to just pick up and go. I wrote about this for MSNBC.com and found that “Many don’t have the luxury of time because they’re in a financial squeeze, being forced to make rash decisions on where to live. And for those who own homes in depressed markets, they can expect difficulties when the ‘For Sale’ signs go up.”

If this isn’t a problem for you, researching a move is easier to day because you can do a lot of the legwork right from the comfort of your home thanks to the Internet.

A quick search of Wyoming turned up some interesting facts. Mining and tourism are the #1 and #2 industries in the state, and it was the first state to have a county public library system.

You can also search for a host of jobs in a particular state you’re interested in on the major job boards such as Monster and CareerBuilder, and the little guys like Craigslist and local state job listings.

Relocation may be something to consider but just heading to a state with low unemployment won’t guarantee you a job. Remember, you start out at square one with no contacts or networking connections. Also keep in mind, even in those states with the highest unemployment — South Carolina, Rhode Island, California, Oregon and Michigan — you may still be able to find work. Companies are always hiring even in the most depressed locations.

If you’re still ready to pack up, here are some lessons learned from Dion McInnis, associate vice president for university advancement at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, after relocating many times and also watching others relocate:

+ You’re relocating your heart, too. Time away from family, friends and significant others is part of the relocation process. The time is particularly hard when the employee is in the new town and the family, friends and significant others are “left behind.” It is very important to use e-mail, phone calls and video calls to maintain contact while going about the work of settling into a new job, finding housing, learning about the community and such. Finding activities early is important, too. Find new venues for your interests at the parks, museums, galleries, etc., to help you make a new home while also finding areas of interests for those who will be joining you later.

+ Negotiate housing. I’ve lived in dorms for married students, university apartments and a university-owned home for visiting professors (which I am not). I have also seen other university administrators or faculty members who did not make housing arrangements as part of their negotiation and the pain and frustration always became a financial and morale problem. The employer must be attentive to the morale issues of relocation, and the employee must negotiate up front for the support, and that is not just a relocation allowance.

+ Protect yourself from loneliness. There are many unhealthy ways that the loneliness of a new locale can affect someone, including depression. Be active, stay in contact with your roots, and enjoy the new opportunity.

Are you pondering a move? Have you moved already? Tell me your story, or ask for advice here or email me at telleve@gmail.com.