Unemployment rates were little changed in March in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Fourteen states had unemployment rate increases from March 2025, the largest of which were in Connecticut and Florida (+1.1 percentage points each). The only over-the-year rate decreases were in Ohio (-0.7 percentage point) and Indiana (-0.4 point). Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia had jobless rates that were not notably different from those of a year earlier, though some had changes that were at least as large numerically as the significant changes. The national unemployment rate, 4.3 percent, changed little over the month and from March 2025.

In March 2026, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 3 states and was essentially unchanged in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Employment increased in Texas (+46,800, or +0.3 percent), Florida (+28,100, or +0.3 percent), and Tennessee (+12,100, or +0.4 percent). Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in 3 states and the District of Columbia, increased in 3 states, and was essentially unchanged in 44 states. Employment decreased in Maryland (-49,900, or -1.8 percent), the District (-40,300, or -5.3 percent), Oregon (-21,900, or -1.1 percent), and Iowa (- 20,700, or -1.3 percent). The job gains occurred in California (+144,700), Texas (+117,200), and Nevada (+28,700).