The Bureau of Labor Statistics posted their state level employment and unemployment data today, and we’ve cruched the data and prepared another set of free summary reports  (the link goes right to the Free Resources page, then click on the reports you wish to view) ranking the states by a 6 month rolling average of the respective annualized data. 

Looking to total nonfarm employment growth, Wyoming leads the way once again (for the 6th month in a row) with an impressive 3.0% annualized growth rate, down 0.1% from June.  Texas maintains a strong second place at 2.4%, followed by Utah at 2.0%, and Montana and Louisiana both at 1.8%.  Florida, Michigan, and Rhode Island make up the bottom three, with Rhode Island’s job growth an impressive -1.9%. 

Continuing the trend we’ve noted over the spring and summer, 9 of the top 10 employment growth states are west of the Mississippi River, as are 12 of the top 15. 

Looking to unemployment, South Dakota leads the nation with a 2.7% unemployment rate, followed by Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah, and North Dakota.  Rhode Island, Alaska, and Michigan make up the bottom three, with Michigan’s unemployment rate an impressive 7.6%. 

Just as with the employment growth data, the West dominates the top 10 – this month all of the 10 best unemployment rate states are west of the Mississippi River, as are 11 of the top 15. 

We’re cranking through a huge project this week and weekend, and will have some important announcements about markets we’re tracking and our analysis systems next week.  Have a great weekend.

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