The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported last week that unemployment rates were higher in August in three states, lower in two states, and stable in the other 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C. Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, while nine states had decreases and 24 had little change, the BLS reports. The national unemployment rate changed little over the month and from August 2024, at 4.3%.
In August 2025, nonfarm payroll employment increased in one state, decreased in Washington, D.C., and was essentially unchanged in 49 states. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 20 states and was essentially unchanged in 30 states and D.C., the report states.
South Dakota had the lowest jobless rate in August, at 1.9%. Washington, D.C., had the highest unemployment rate, at 6%. The next highest rate was in California, with 5.5%. In total, 22 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 4.3%, while three states and D.C. had higher rates, and 25 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
In August, three states had unemployment rate increases: Delaware and Maryland (0.2 percentage point each) and Minnesota (0.1 point). Two states had rate decreases: Colorado (0.3 percentage point) and Alabama (0.1 point). The remaining 45 states and the District of Columbia had jobless rates that were not notably different from those of a month earlier, though some had changes that were at least as large numerically as the significant changes.
Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 20 states and was essentially unchanged in 30 states and D.C. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+195,600), New York (+125,100), and Pennsylvania (+101,200).