We are pleased to announce that we’ve just posted the new state-by-state rankings for total nonfarm employment growth and unemployment on the Free Resources page of the website – with a couple of nice improvements and additions. 

In the Nonfarm Employment Growth Report / State by State Summary for August 2008 we’ve once again ranked the states by their 6-month rolling average of BLS reported total nonfarm employment growth (annualized).  We added this month the most current monthly value for July (the most current data available), and color coded the July value to reflect trend.  If the July employment growth value decreased from the month prior, it is printed in a red font; if it increased from the month prior, it is printed in a blue font; if it is unchanged from the month prior, it is printed in a black font. 

Wyoming continues to lead the pack (seven months running), with Texas a close second; these two states are the only two in the top five with a 6-month rolling average of employment growth above 2%.  Texas is the only state in the top five to have an increase in July total nonfarm employment growth rate as compared to June.  Louisiana, Colorado, and Utah round out the top five. 

As it was noted for last month’s data, nine of the top ten states are west of the Mississippi, as are twelve of the top fifteen. 

In the Unemployment Rate Report / State by State Summary for August 2008 we’ve once again ranked the states by their 6-month rolling average of BLS reported unemployment rate.  Just as we did for the employment growth rates, this month we’ve added the most current monthly value for July (the most current data available), and color coded the July value to reflect trend.  If the July unemployment value decreased (improved) from the month prior, it is printed in a blue font; if it increased (worsened) from the month prior, it is printed in a red font; if it is unchanged from the month prior, it is printed in a black font. 

South Dakota continues to lead the nation with a very low 2.7% unemployment rate, followed once again by Wyoming, Nebraska, N. Dakota, and Utah in the top five. 

Of note, unemployment rates dropped during the month on July in only six states – Montana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Arkansas, West Virginia and New York. 

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