July 2026 — 2026-08-21

Unemployment rates were lower in July in 10 states and stable in 40 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twelve states had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, 10 states and the District had decreases, and 28 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.1 percent, changed little both over the month and over the year. In July, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 1 state, decreased in 1 state, and was essentially unchanged in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 6 states, decreased in 1 state and the District, and was essentially unchanged in 43 states. This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are modeled based largely on a survey of households. These data pertain to people by where they reside.