State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release - 2024 M04 Results — 2024-05-17

Unemployment rates were lower in April in 5 states, higher in 2 states, and stable in 43 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Thirty states had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, 1 state had a decrease, and 19 states and the District had little change. The national unemployment rate changed little at 3.9 percent but was 0.5 percentage point higher than in April 2023. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 6 states and was essentially unchanged in 44 states and the District of Columbia in April 2024. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 31 states and was essentially unchanged in 19 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.