Unemployment rates were lower in August in 8 states and the District of Columbia and stable in 42 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Fourteen states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 10 states had increases, and 26 states had little change. South Dakota had the lowest jobless rate in August, 2.0 percent, followed by North Dakota, 2.2 percent. The rate in Ohio (3.3 percent) set a new series low. (All state series begin in 1976.) The District of Columbia had the highest unemployment rate, 5.7 percent. The national unemployment rate, 4.1 percent, was unchanged over the month and was little changed from August 2025. 

In August 2026, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 4 states and was essentially unchanged in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 8 states, decreased in the District, and was essentially unchanged in 42 states. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+159,400), California (+138,500), and North Carolina (+65,600). The largest percentage increases occurred in Louisiana, New Mexico, and South Carolina (+1.6 percent each). The only job loss occurred in the District (-27,000, or -3.6 percent).