On January 25, 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced unemployment rates. They’ve compiled a report that gives the latest figures for unemployment in each state. Here’s a look at the new statistics to give you an idea of how each state is doing economically.
Unemployment rates declined in 42 states and the District of Columbia in December 2021 and remained unchanged in 8 states, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The unemployment rate fell to 3.9%, with 16 states reporting lower rates than the national average. Higher rates were recorded in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The rates in the remaining 17 states were remarkably similar to the national average.
From November to December 2021, nonfarm employment increased in 17 states while remaining largely unchanged in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Employment grew year over year in 48 states and the District of Columbia, while it remained unchanged primarily in two states. In December, California, Texas, and New York were the states with the most job growth. Iowa, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Montana witnessed tremendous percentage gains.
In December, the unemployment rates in California and Nevada were the highest, at 6.5% and 6.4%, respectively. The lowest percentages were found in Nebraska and Utah, at 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively.