Unemployment rates were lower in July in 14 states and the District of Columbia, higher in 3 states, and stable in 33 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. All 50 states and the District had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier. Three states had unemployment rate increases: Indiana (+0.2 percentage point) and Montana and Nebraska (+0.1 point each). The national unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent over the month and was 1.9 percentage points lower than in July 2021.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 20 states, decreased in 2 states, and was essentially unchanged in 28 states and the District of Columbia in July 2022. The largest job gains occurred in California (+84,800), Florida (+73,800), and Texas (+72,800). The largest percentage increase occurred in Hawaii (+1.3 percent), followed by Arkansas and Missouri (+0.9 percent each). Employment decreased in Tennessee (-12,400, or -0.4 percent) and Kentucky (-11,400, or -0.6 percent). Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 43 states and the District and was essentially unchanged in 7 states. The largest job increases occurred in California (+740,000), Texas (+736,700), and Florida (+437,800). The largest percentage increases occurred in Texas (+5.8 percent), Nevada (+5.7 percent), and Florida (+4.9 percent).