BLS could not collect October 2025 reference period survey data for some surveys due to a lapse in appropriations, resulting in missing data values where data could not be retroactively collected.

Unemployment rates were higher in November than a year earlier in 16 states and the District of Columbia, lower in 8 states, and little different in 26 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. South Dakota had the lowest jobless rate in November, 2.1 percent, followed by Hawaii, 2.2 percent. The District of Columbia had the highest unemployment rate, 6.5 percent. The next highest rates were in California and New Jersey, 5.5 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. The national unemployment rate, 4.6 percent, was 0.4 percentage point higher than in November 2024.

In November 2025, nonfarm payroll employment was essentially unchanged in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 12 states, decreased in the District, and was essentially unchanged in 38 states. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+146,300) and Pennsylvania (+97,600), followed by New York and North Carolina (+87,900 each). The largest percentage increases occurred in Missouri and South Carolina (+2.0 percent each), followed by North Carolina (+1.7 percent).