State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2021-06-23

Unemployment rates were lower in May in 21 states and the District of Columbia, higher in 1 state, and stable in 28 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. All 50 states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier. The national unemployment rate declined by 0.3 percentage point over the month to 5.8 percent and was 7.5 points lower than in May 2020. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 14 states, decreased in 1 state, and was essentially unchanged in 35 states and the District of Columbia in May 2021. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in all states and the District. 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 individuals by where they reside.