May 2026 Labor Force Estimates (not seasonally adjusted) Unemployment rates were lower in May in 6 states, higher in 2 states, and stable in 42 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Sixteen states had unemployment rate increases from May 2025, the largest of which were in Connecticut (+1.3 percentage points) and Florida (+1.1 points). Six states had over-the-year rate decreases. Twenty-eight 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, was unchanged both over the month and over the year. 

In May, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 2 states and was essentially unchanged in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 2 states, decreased in 1 state and the District, and was essentially unchanged in 47 states. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 2 states, decreased in 1 state and the District of Columbia, and was essentially unchanged in 47 states. Employment increased in North Carolina (+61,800, or +1.2 percent) and Nevada (+29,200, or +1.8 percent). The job losses occurred in Virginia (-52,200, or -1.2 percent) and the District (-40,300, or -5.3 percent).