Latest unemployment #s: March

Unemployment rates were lower in March in 18 states, higher in the District of

Columbia, and stable in 32, according to a media release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eleven states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year

earlier, 10 states had increases, and 29 states had little change. The national
unemployment rate, 3.5%, changed little both over the month and over the
year. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 2 states and was essentially unchanged
in 48 and DC in March 2023. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 42 states and was essentially unchanged in 8
states and DC. South Dakota had the lowest jobless rate in March, 1.9%. The rates in Alabama
(2.3%) and Mississippi (3.5%) set new series lows. Nevada had
the highest unemployment rate, 5.5%. (Department of Labor 04/21/23) State Employment and Unemployment Summary - 2023 M03 Results (bls.gov)