September 2026 — 2026-10-20

Unemployment rates were lower in September in 5 states and stable in 45 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twenty states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 7 states had increases, and 23 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.2 percent, changed little both over the month and over the year. In September, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 2 states, decreased in 1 state, and was essentially unchanged in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 7 states, decreased in the District, and was essentially unchanged in 43 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.