April 2026 — 2026-05-22

Unemployment rates were lower in April in 3 states, higher in 2 states, and stable in 45 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nineteen states had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, 6 states had decreases, and 25 states and the District had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.3 percent, was unchanged over the month and was little changed from April 2025. In April 2026, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 6 states and was essentially unchanged in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in 1 state and the District, increased in 1 state, and was essentially unchanged in 48 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.