August 2026 — 2026-09-18

Unemployment rates were lower in August in 8 states and the District of Columbia and stable in 42 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fourteen states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 10 states had increases, and 26 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.1 percent, was unchanged over the month and was little changed from August 2025. In August 2026, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 4 states and was essentially unchanged in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 8 states, decreased in the District, and was essentially unchanged in 42 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. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry.