Regional And State Employment And Unemployment: October 2005 — 2005-11-22

Regional and state unemployment rates were generally stable in October. Overall, 30 states and the District of Columbia registered over-the-month unemployment rate decreases, 9 states recorded increases, and 11 states had no change, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Over the year, jobless rates declined in 31 states and the District of Columbia, rose in 14 states, and were unchanged in 5 states. The national unemployment rate was essentially unchanged in October at 5.0 percent, but was down from 5.5 percent a year earlier. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 29 states and the District of Columbia over the month, decreased in 20 states, and was unchanged in New Hampshire. Washington experienced the largest employment gain (+24,200), followed by Georgia (+17,800), Virginia (+16,300), and Texas (+14,700). Washington posted the largest over-the-month percentage increase in em- ployment (+0.9 percent), followed by Nevada (+0.7 percent), Mississippi (+0.6 percent), and Georgia (+0.5 percent).