Unemployment rates were higher in August in 10 states, lower in 2 states, and stable in 38 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Twenty-five states had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 9 states and the District had increases, and 16 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 3.8 percent, rose by 0.3 percentage point over the month but was little changed from August 2022.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 5 states, decreased in 3 states, and was essentially unchanged in 42 states and the District of Columbia in August 2023. The largest job gains occurred in North Carolina (+17,500), Massachusetts (+15,400), and Maryland (+12,400). The largest percentage increases occurred in Montana (+0.7 percent), Nevada (+0.6 percent), and Maryland (+0.5 percent). Job losses occurred in Missouri (-13,700, or -0.5 percent), Mississippi (-6,400, or -0.5 percent), and Hawaii (-4,800, or -0.8 percent).

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 32 states and was essentially unchanged in 18 states and the District. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+402,000), California (+335,200), and Florida (+270,300). The largest percentage increases occurred in Nevada (+3.9 percent), Texas (+3.0 percent), and Florida (+2.8 percent).