Regional And State Employment And Unemployment: July 2007 — 2007-08-17

Regional and state unemployment rates were little changed or slightly higher in July. Overall, 39 states and the District of Columbia recorded over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 5 states registered decreases, and 6 states had no changes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Over the year, jobless rates were up in 27 states, down in 19 states and the District of Columbia, and unchanged in 4 states. The national unemployment rate was essentially unchanged in July at 4.6 percent. In July, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 26 states, decreased in 23 states and the District of Columbia, and was unchanged in 1 state (Wisconsin). The largest over-the-month increases in the level of employment occurred in Texas (+29,400), Maryland (+16,900), New York (+11,800), and South Carolina (+10,600).