Unemployment rates in September showed a mixed trend across the United States, with 25 states experiencing a rise and 21 states seeing a decline compared to the previous year, according to a government report released December 11. This analysis, delayed by a federal shutdown, highlights significant changes in unemployment figures state-by-state. Oregon saw the largest increase, with rates climbing from 4.2% to 5.2%, followed by the District of Columbia and Delaware. Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky recorded the largest decreases.
National unemployment increased to 4.4% from 4.1% the year prior, with the number of job seekers rising from 6.9 million to 7.6 million. Despite this, September added 119,000 payroll jobs, rebounding from a 4,000 loss in August. Due to the shutdown, the October national employment report is unavailable, but a November report is expected on December 16.
Private payroll processor ADP’s November estimate reported a net loss of 32,000 jobs, with small businesses hit hardest, losing 120,000 jobs. Industries such as professional services, tech, and manufacturing faced the most significant declines. South Dakota recorded the lowest unemployment at 2%, while the District of Columbia had the highest at 6.2%, influenced by federal layoffs. Other states with high unemployment included California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Michigan.
The state-by-state unemployment report was delayed due to the 43-day federal shutdown ending on November 12. For more detailed national jobs data, visit the ADP employment report.
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