Regional and State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2008-07-18

Regional and state unemployment rates were generally little changed in June. Overall, 24 states recorded over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 16 states and the District of Columbia registered decreases, and 10 states had no change, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Over the year, jobless rates were up in 45 states and the District of Columbia, down in 4 states, and un- changed in 1 state. The national unemployment rate was unchanged in June at 5.5 percent but was up from 4.6 percent a year earlier. From May to June, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 30 states and the District of Columbia and decreased in 20 states. The largest over-the-month increases in the level of employment occurred in Texas (+47,700), Michigan (+16,700), Wisconsin (+8,200), Ohio (+7,900),Okla- homa (+7,700), and New York (+7,300).