U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases State-by-State Unemployment and Employment Report for August

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-by-state unemployment and employment report for August, unemployment rates were lower in 15 states and D.C. and stable in 35 others. Forty-Nine states and D.C. had jobless rate decreases from earlier in the year and one state was little changed.

The national unemployment rate, 5.2%, declined by -0.2% point over the month and was 3.2 points lower than in August 2020. Nevada had the highest unemployment rate in August, 7.7%, followed by California, 7.5% and New York, 7.4%. Nebraska had the lowest jobless rate, 2.2%, which was also a new series low for the state.

On the employment front, the BLS is reporting that nonfarm payroll employment increased in 11 states, decreased in 3 states, and was essentially unchanged in 36 states and the District of Columbia in August 2021.

Over the year, 49 states and D.C. added nonfarm payroll jobs and 1 state was essentially unchanged. The largest job gains occurred in California (+104,300), Texas (+39,300), and New York (+23,500). The largest percentage increases occurred in Kentucky (+1.1%), Nevada (+0.9%), and New Mexico (+0.7%). Employment decreased in North Carolina (-13,200, or -0.3%), Iowa (-6,500, or -0.4%), and Hawaii (-5,700, or -1.0%).