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Category: Economics and Unemployment
Last updated: 19 May 2020 On this page we will provide regular updates regarding the unemployment rate of the United States as well as its states and metropolitan areas.
Which states in the USA has the lowest or highest unemployment rates? How many people were hired and fired in the United States during 2019? Unemployment rate of the various metropolitan areas in the United States? Read on to find out The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of these data and brought employment to its lowest level since early 2011." |
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11 June 2020: 9 million people not in labor force wanted a job in May 2020
The summary and image belows obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and covers the number of job seekers of those not currently in the labor force.
In May 2020, there were 101.8 million people who were not in the labor force. Within this group, 9.0 million said they wanted a job. There were 9.9 million people who were not in the labor force but wanted a job in April 2020, which was an increase of 4.4 million over the 5.5 million in this category in March. In both April and May, people who wanted a job represented roughly 1 in 10 of those not in the labor force, much higher than in earlier months.
In May 2020, there were 101.8 million people who were not in the labor force. Within this group, 9.0 million said they wanted a job. There were 9.9 million people who were not in the labor force but wanted a job in April 2020, which was an increase of 4.4 million over the 5.5 million in this category in March. In both April and May, people who wanted a job represented roughly 1 in 10 of those not in the labor force, much higher than in earlier months.
A year earlier, in May 2019, 96.1 million people were not in the labor force and 5.0 million of these reported wanting a job.
26 May 2020: State unemployment increases in all 50 states in April 2020
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unemployment rates increased across all 50 states in the month of April 2020. Below a short extract from the BLS website.
Unemployment rates were higher in April in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Similarly, all 50 states and the District had jobless rate increases from a year earlier. The national unemployment rate rose by 10.3 percentage points over the month to 14.7 percent and was 11.1 points higher than in April 2019. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in April 2020. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in all 50 states and the District.
Unemployment
Nevada had the highest unemployment rate in April, 28.2 percent, followed by Michigan, 22.7 percent, and Hawaii, 22.3 percent. The rates in 43 states set new series highs. (All state series begin in 1976.) The rates in Hawaii and Nevada exceeded their previous series highs by more than 10.0 percentage points each, while the rates in Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont exceeded their previous highs by more than 5.0 points each. Connecticut had the lowest unemployment rate, 7.9 percent. The next lowest rates were in Minnesota and Nebraska, 8.1 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. In total, 27 states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 14.7 percent, 10 states had higher rates, and 13 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
Unemployment rates were higher in April in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Similarly, all 50 states and the District had jobless rate increases from a year earlier. The national unemployment rate rose by 10.3 percentage points over the month to 14.7 percent and was 11.1 points higher than in April 2019. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in April 2020. Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in all 50 states and the District.
Unemployment
Nevada had the highest unemployment rate in April, 28.2 percent, followed by Michigan, 22.7 percent, and Hawaii, 22.3 percent. The rates in 43 states set new series highs. (All state series begin in 1976.) The rates in Hawaii and Nevada exceeded their previous series highs by more than 10.0 percentage points each, while the rates in Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont exceeded their previous highs by more than 5.0 points each. Connecticut had the lowest unemployment rate, 7.9 percent. The next lowest rates were in Minnesota and Nebraska, 8.1 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. In total, 27 states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 14.7 percent, 10 states had higher rates, and 13 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
19 May 2020: Job separations spikes by almost 9 million from 5.6 million to 14.5 million
We take a look at data released by the BLS which shows that job separations by the end of March 2020 spiked by almost 9 million from 5.6 million in February to 14.5 million in March 2020. A truly unprecedented jump in the number of separations. According to the BLS, The number of total nonfarm job separations increased by 8.9 million to a record high of 14.5 million in March 2020. Job openings decreased to 6.2 million on the last business day of March. Over the month, hires declined to 5.2 million.
Total job separations in March 2020 jumped by almost 9 million from 5.6 million in February 2020 to 14.5 million in March 2020
In March 2020, private job openings fell by 774,000, with the largest declines in accommodation and food services (−258,000) and durable goods manufacturing (−82,000). The number of private hires decreased by 654,000 and was little changed for government. Hires decreased in accommodation and food services (−344,000), health care and social assistance (−87,000), and durable goods manufacturing (−33,000).
The number of private job separations increased to 14.1 million (+8,862,000) and for government to 411,000 (+60,000). Total separations increased in almost all industries, with the largest increases in accommodation and food services (+3,999,000) and other services (+839,000).
The number of private job separations increased to 14.1 million (+8,862,000) and for government to 411,000 (+60,000). Total separations increased in almost all industries, with the largest increases in accommodation and food services (+3,999,000) and other services (+839,000).
13 May 2020: Payroll unemployment drops by 20.5 million in April 2020
We take a look at an economics daily article published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Below the article as obtained from the BLS
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April 2020, after declining by 881,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of these data and brought employment to its lowest level since early 2011. (These BLS employment data start in 1939). Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April 2020, after declining by 881,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of these data and brought employment to its lowest level since early 2011. (These BLS employment data start in 1939). Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.
In April 2020, employment in leisure and hospitality plummeted by 7.7 million, or 47 percent. Almost three-quarters of the decrease occurred in food services and drinking places (−5.5 million). Employment also fell in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry (−1.3 million) and in the accommodation industry (−839,000).
USA employment change by industry during April 2020
Employment declined by 2.5 million in education and health services in April. In health care, employment declined by 1.4 million, led by losses in offices of dentists, offices of physicians, and offices of other health care practitioners. Employment also declined in social assistance (−651,000), reflecting job losses in child day care services and individual and family services.
Professional and business services shed 2.2 million jobs in April. Sharp losses occurred in temporary help services (−842,000) and in services to buildings and dwellings (−259,000). In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million. Job losses occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (−740,000), motor vehicle and parts dealers (−345,000), and miscellaneous store retailers (−264,000). However, the component of general merchandise stores that includes warehouse clubs and supercenters gained 93,000 jobs. Wholesale trade shed 363,000 jobs in April, largely reflecting losses in the durable and nondurable goods components.
Manufacturing employment dropped by 1.3 million. About two-thirds of the decline was in durable goods manufacturing (−914,000), which saw losses in motor vehicles and parts and in fabricated metal products. Employment in the other services industry declined by 1.3 million in April, with nearly two-thirds of the decline occurring in personal and laundry services (−797,000).
Government employment dropped by 980,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 801,000, in part reflecting school closures. Employment also declined in state government education. Construction employment fell by 975,000 in April, with much of the loss in specialty trade contractors (−691,000). Job losses also occurred in construction of buildings. Employment fell 584,000 in transportation and warehousing in April. Transit and ground passenger transportation and air transportation both lost jobs.
Professional and business services shed 2.2 million jobs in April. Sharp losses occurred in temporary help services (−842,000) and in services to buildings and dwellings (−259,000). In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million. Job losses occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (−740,000), motor vehicle and parts dealers (−345,000), and miscellaneous store retailers (−264,000). However, the component of general merchandise stores that includes warehouse clubs and supercenters gained 93,000 jobs. Wholesale trade shed 363,000 jobs in April, largely reflecting losses in the durable and nondurable goods components.
Manufacturing employment dropped by 1.3 million. About two-thirds of the decline was in durable goods manufacturing (−914,000), which saw losses in motor vehicles and parts and in fabricated metal products. Employment in the other services industry declined by 1.3 million in April, with nearly two-thirds of the decline occurring in personal and laundry services (−797,000).
Government employment dropped by 980,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 801,000, in part reflecting school closures. Employment also declined in state government education. Construction employment fell by 975,000 in April, with much of the loss in specialty trade contractors (−691,000). Job losses also occurred in construction of buildings. Employment fell 584,000 in transportation and warehousing in April. Transit and ground passenger transportation and air transportation both lost jobs.
8 May 2020: Biggest spike in month on month unemployment rate in USA on record
The graphic below shows the US unemployment rate from January 1948 as well as the month on month change in the unemployment rate. As the graphic shows the increase in the unemployment rate from March 2020 to April 2020 is the biggest monthly increase in the unemployment rate on record. This follows a sharp increase in the unemployment rate from February 2020 to March 2020 which was the third biggest monthly increase on record.
8 May 2020: USA unemployment rate now at 14.7%
In the bad news that was expected by most economists and market participants, we take a look at the latest unemployment rate in the United States which increased sharply as 20.5 million lost their jobs and the unemployment rate increased sharply to 14.7% Below the write up on the United States latest unemployment rate as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, and the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The changes in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.
Household Survey Data
In April, the unemployment rate increased by 10.3 percentage points to 14.7 percent. This is the highest rate and the largest over-the-month increase in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948). The number of unemployed persons rose by 15.9 million to 23.1 million in April. The sharp increases in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it.
In April, unemployment rates rose sharply among all major worker groups. The rate was 13.0 percent for adult men, 15.5 percent for adult women, 31.9 percent for teenagers, 14.2 percent for Whites, 16.7 percent for Blacks, 14.5 percent for Asians, and 18.9 percent for Hispanics. The rates for all of these groups, with the exception of Blacks, represent record highs for their respective series.
The number of unemployed persons who reported being on temporary layoff increased about ten-fold to 18.1 million in April. The number of permanent job losers increased by 544,000 to 2.0 million. In April, the number of unemployed persons who were jobless less than 5 weeks increased by 10.7 million to 14.3 million, accounting for almost two-thirds of the unemployed. The number of unemployed persons who were jobless 5 to 14 weeks rose by 5.2 million to 7.0 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 939,000, declined by 225,000 over the month and represented 4.1 percent of the unemployed.
The labor force participation rate decreased by 2.5 percentage points over the month to 60.2 percent, the lowest rate since January 1973 (when it was 60.0 percent). Total employment, as measured by the household survey, fell by 22.4 million to 133.4 million. The employment-population ratio, at 51.3 percent, dropped by 8.7 percentage points over the month. This is the lowest rate and largest over-the-month decline in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948). The number of persons who usually work full time declined by 15.0 million over the month, and the number who usually work part time declined by 7.4 million. Part-time workers accounted for one-third of the over-the-month employment decline. The number of persons at work part time for economic reasons nearly doubled over the month to 10.9 million. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. This group includes persons who usually work full time and persons who usually work part time.
The number of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job, at 9.9 million, nearly doubled in April. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the last 4 weeks or were unavailable to take a job. Persons marginally attached to the labor force--a subset of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job--numbered 2.3 million in April, up by 855,000 over the month. These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not looked for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, numbered 574,000 in April, little changed from the previous month.
Establishment Survey Data
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, after declining by 870,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of the series and brought employment to its lowest level since February 2011 (the series dates back to 1939). Job losses in April were widespread, with the largest employment decline occurring in leisure and hospitality.
In April, employment in leisure and hospitality plummeted by 7.7 million, or 47 percent. Almost three-quarters of the decrease occurred in food services and drinking places (-5.5 million). Employment also fell in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry (-1.3 million) and in the accommodation industry (-839,000). Employment declined by 2.5 million in education and health services in April.
In health care, employment declined by 1.4 million, led by losses in offices of dentists (-503,000), offices of physicians (-243,000), and offices of other health care practitioners (-205,000). Employment also declined in social assistance (-651,000), reflecting job losses in child day care services (-336,000) and individual and family services (-241,000).
Employment in private education declined by 457,000 over the month. Professional and business services shed 2.1 million jobs in April. Sharp losses occurred in temporary help services (-842,000) and in services to buildings and dwellings (-259,000). In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million.
Job losses occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (-740,000), motor vehicle and parts dealers (-345,000), miscellaneous store retailers (-264,000), and furniture and home furnishings stores (-209,000). By contrast, the component of general merchandise stores that includes warehouse clubs and supercenters gained 93,000 jobs. In April, manufacturing employment dropped by 1.3 million. About two-thirds of the decline was in durable goods manufacturing (-914,000), which saw losses in motor vehicles and parts (-382,000) and in fabricated metal products (-109,000). Nondurable goods manufacturing shed 416,000 jobs. Employment in the other services industry declined by 1.3 million in April, with nearly two-thirds of the decline occurring in personal and laundry services (-797,000).
Government employment dropped by 980,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 801,000, in part reflecting school closures. Employment also declined in state government education (-176,000). Construction employment fell by 975,000 in April, with much of the loss in specialty trade contractors (-691,000). Job losses also occurred in construction of buildings (-206,000). Employment fell in transportation and warehousing in April (-584,000). Transit and ground passenger transportation and air transportation lost 185,000 jobs and 141,000 jobs, respectively. Wholesale trade shed 363,000 jobs in April, largely reflecting losses in the durable and nondurable goods components. Employment in financial activities fell by 262,000 over the month, with the vast majority of the decline occurring in real estate and rental and leasing (-222,000). Employment in information fell by 254,000 in April, driven by a decline in motion picture and sound recording industries (-217,000). Mining lost 46,000 jobs in April, with most of the decline occurring in support activities for mining (-33,000).
In April, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by $1.34 to $30.01. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees increased by $1.04 to $25.12 in April. The increases in average hourly earnings largely reflect the substantial job loss among lower-paid workers; this change, along with earnings increases, put upward pressure on the average hourly earnings estimates. (See tables B-3 and B-8.) The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours in April. In manufacturing, the workweek declined by 2.1 hours to 38.3 hours, and overtime declined by 0.9 hour to 2.1 hours.
The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 33.5 hours. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for February was revised down by 45,000 from +275,000 to +230,000, and the change for March was revised down by 169,000 from -701,000 to -870,000. With these revisions, employment changes in February and March combined were 214,000 lower than previously reported.
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, and the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The changes in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.
Household Survey Data
In April, the unemployment rate increased by 10.3 percentage points to 14.7 percent. This is the highest rate and the largest over-the-month increase in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948). The number of unemployed persons rose by 15.9 million to 23.1 million in April. The sharp increases in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it.
In April, unemployment rates rose sharply among all major worker groups. The rate was 13.0 percent for adult men, 15.5 percent for adult women, 31.9 percent for teenagers, 14.2 percent for Whites, 16.7 percent for Blacks, 14.5 percent for Asians, and 18.9 percent for Hispanics. The rates for all of these groups, with the exception of Blacks, represent record highs for their respective series.
The number of unemployed persons who reported being on temporary layoff increased about ten-fold to 18.1 million in April. The number of permanent job losers increased by 544,000 to 2.0 million. In April, the number of unemployed persons who were jobless less than 5 weeks increased by 10.7 million to 14.3 million, accounting for almost two-thirds of the unemployed. The number of unemployed persons who were jobless 5 to 14 weeks rose by 5.2 million to 7.0 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 939,000, declined by 225,000 over the month and represented 4.1 percent of the unemployed.
The labor force participation rate decreased by 2.5 percentage points over the month to 60.2 percent, the lowest rate since January 1973 (when it was 60.0 percent). Total employment, as measured by the household survey, fell by 22.4 million to 133.4 million. The employment-population ratio, at 51.3 percent, dropped by 8.7 percentage points over the month. This is the lowest rate and largest over-the-month decline in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948). The number of persons who usually work full time declined by 15.0 million over the month, and the number who usually work part time declined by 7.4 million. Part-time workers accounted for one-third of the over-the-month employment decline. The number of persons at work part time for economic reasons nearly doubled over the month to 10.9 million. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. This group includes persons who usually work full time and persons who usually work part time.
The number of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job, at 9.9 million, nearly doubled in April. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the last 4 weeks or were unavailable to take a job. Persons marginally attached to the labor force--a subset of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job--numbered 2.3 million in April, up by 855,000 over the month. These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not looked for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, numbered 574,000 in April, little changed from the previous month.
Establishment Survey Data
Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, after declining by 870,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of the series and brought employment to its lowest level since February 2011 (the series dates back to 1939). Job losses in April were widespread, with the largest employment decline occurring in leisure and hospitality.
In April, employment in leisure and hospitality plummeted by 7.7 million, or 47 percent. Almost three-quarters of the decrease occurred in food services and drinking places (-5.5 million). Employment also fell in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry (-1.3 million) and in the accommodation industry (-839,000). Employment declined by 2.5 million in education and health services in April.
In health care, employment declined by 1.4 million, led by losses in offices of dentists (-503,000), offices of physicians (-243,000), and offices of other health care practitioners (-205,000). Employment also declined in social assistance (-651,000), reflecting job losses in child day care services (-336,000) and individual and family services (-241,000).
Employment in private education declined by 457,000 over the month. Professional and business services shed 2.1 million jobs in April. Sharp losses occurred in temporary help services (-842,000) and in services to buildings and dwellings (-259,000). In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million.
Job losses occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (-740,000), motor vehicle and parts dealers (-345,000), miscellaneous store retailers (-264,000), and furniture and home furnishings stores (-209,000). By contrast, the component of general merchandise stores that includes warehouse clubs and supercenters gained 93,000 jobs. In April, manufacturing employment dropped by 1.3 million. About two-thirds of the decline was in durable goods manufacturing (-914,000), which saw losses in motor vehicles and parts (-382,000) and in fabricated metal products (-109,000). Nondurable goods manufacturing shed 416,000 jobs. Employment in the other services industry declined by 1.3 million in April, with nearly two-thirds of the decline occurring in personal and laundry services (-797,000).
Government employment dropped by 980,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 801,000, in part reflecting school closures. Employment also declined in state government education (-176,000). Construction employment fell by 975,000 in April, with much of the loss in specialty trade contractors (-691,000). Job losses also occurred in construction of buildings (-206,000). Employment fell in transportation and warehousing in April (-584,000). Transit and ground passenger transportation and air transportation lost 185,000 jobs and 141,000 jobs, respectively. Wholesale trade shed 363,000 jobs in April, largely reflecting losses in the durable and nondurable goods components. Employment in financial activities fell by 262,000 over the month, with the vast majority of the decline occurring in real estate and rental and leasing (-222,000). Employment in information fell by 254,000 in April, driven by a decline in motion picture and sound recording industries (-217,000). Mining lost 46,000 jobs in April, with most of the decline occurring in support activities for mining (-33,000).
In April, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by $1.34 to $30.01. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees increased by $1.04 to $25.12 in April. The increases in average hourly earnings largely reflect the substantial job loss among lower-paid workers; this change, along with earnings increases, put upward pressure on the average hourly earnings estimates. (See tables B-3 and B-8.) The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours in April. In manufacturing, the workweek declined by 2.1 hours to 38.3 hours, and overtime declined by 0.9 hour to 2.1 hours.
The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 33.5 hours. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for February was revised down by 45,000 from +275,000 to +230,000, and the change for March was revised down by 169,000 from -701,000 to -870,000. With these revisions, employment changes in February and March combined were 214,000 lower than previously reported.
6 May 2020: Unemployment up more than 1% in 118 metros in the United States in March 2020
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) looked that the year on year change in the unemployment rate of metropolitan areas of the United States for March 2020. Here is what they found.
In 2020, unemployment rates were higher than a year earlier in 253 of the nation's 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 123 areas, and unchanged in 13 areas. Among the metropolitan areas where unemployment increased over the year, there were 118 increases of at least 1.0 percentage point.
In 2020, unemployment rates were higher than a year earlier in 253 of the nation's 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 123 areas, and unchanged in 13 areas. Among the metropolitan areas where unemployment increased over the year, there were 118 increases of at least 1.0 percentage point.
Year on year change in unemployment rates in US metropolitan areas
In El Centro, California, the unemployment rate increased 3.9 percentage points, the largest over-the-year unemployment rate increase in March 2020. In Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, the unemployment rate increased 3.0 percentage points, while McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas, and Visalia-Porterville, California, each had over-the-year jobless rate increase of 2.8 percentage points.
The largest over-the-year rate decrease occurred in Yakima, Washington (−2.5 percentage points), followed by Danville (−1.9) and Kankakee (−1.8) in Illinois and Kennewick-Richland and Walla Walla (both −1.8), Washington. In March 2020, a total of 226 metropolitan areas had jobless rates below the U.S. rate of 4.5 percent, 150 areas had rates above it, and 13 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina and Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, had the lowest unemployment rates, 2.1 percent each. Unemployment rates were 2.4 percent or lower in Ames, Iowa; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Madison, Wisconsin. El Centro, California, had the highest unemployment rate in March, 20.5 percent, followed by Yuma, Arizona; and Visalia-Porterville, Merced, Hanford-Corcoran, and Bakersfield, all in California, which had all had unemployment rates of 12.0 percent or higher.
Of the 51 metropolitan areas with a 2010 Census population of 1 million or more, 43 had over-the-year unemployment rate increases, 7 had decreases, and 1 had no change. The largest jobless rate increases among these large metropolitan areas were in Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio (+3.0 percentage points), and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada (+2.6). The largest rate decrease occurred in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon-Washington (−0.6 percentage point).
Among the large metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, had the lowest unemployment rate in March, 2.5 percent. Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada, had the highest jobless rates, 7.3 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively.
The largest over-the-year rate decrease occurred in Yakima, Washington (−2.5 percentage points), followed by Danville (−1.9) and Kankakee (−1.8) in Illinois and Kennewick-Richland and Walla Walla (both −1.8), Washington. In March 2020, a total of 226 metropolitan areas had jobless rates below the U.S. rate of 4.5 percent, 150 areas had rates above it, and 13 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina and Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, had the lowest unemployment rates, 2.1 percent each. Unemployment rates were 2.4 percent or lower in Ames, Iowa; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Madison, Wisconsin. El Centro, California, had the highest unemployment rate in March, 20.5 percent, followed by Yuma, Arizona; and Visalia-Porterville, Merced, Hanford-Corcoran, and Bakersfield, all in California, which had all had unemployment rates of 12.0 percent or higher.
Of the 51 metropolitan areas with a 2010 Census population of 1 million or more, 43 had over-the-year unemployment rate increases, 7 had decreases, and 1 had no change. The largest jobless rate increases among these large metropolitan areas were in Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio (+3.0 percentage points), and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada (+2.6). The largest rate decrease occurred in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon-Washington (−0.6 percentage point).
Among the large metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, had the lowest unemployment rate in March, 2.5 percent. Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada, had the highest jobless rates, 7.3 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively.
27 April 2020: 4.9% of families in the USA had at least 1 unemployed person in 2019
While this picture will surely change in 2020 due to the Coronavirus, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4.9% of families in the USA had at least 1 unemployed person during 2019. The BLS wrote the following.
In 2019, 4.9 percent of families included an unemployed person. That was the lowest point since 1994, the first year for which comparable data are available, when 8.5 percent of families had an unemployed person.
In 2019, 4.9 percent of families included an unemployed person. That was the lowest point since 1994, the first year for which comparable data are available, when 8.5 percent of families had an unemployed person.
In 2019, the percent of families with an unemployed person not only was down from 2018 but was also a historical low for all major race and ethnicity groups. In 2019, Black families (7.9 percent) and Hispanic or Latino families (6.6 percent) remained more likely to have an unemployed member than White (4.5 percent) or Asian (4.1 percent) families.
24 April 2020: Unemployment rate rose in 29 states in March 2020
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (LBS) twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia had statistically significant unemployment rate increases in March 2020. Rates were lower over the month in 3 states and stable in 18 states. The national unemployment rate rose from 3.5 percent in February to 4.4 percent in March
Change in unemployment rate of various states in the USA from February 2020 to March 2020
The largest unemployment rate increases in March occurred in Nevada (+2.7 percentage points) and Colorado (+2.0 points). Rates rose over the month by at least a full percentage point in 19 other states. Alaska had the largest jobless rate decrease from February (−0.2 percentage point).
North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in March, 2.2 percent, while Louisiana had the highest rate, 6.9 percent. The rates in Alaska (5.6 percent) and Idaho (2.6 percent) set new lows. (All state data begin in 1976.) In total, 25 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 4.4 percent, 13 states and the District of Columbia had higher rates, and 12 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in March, 2.2 percent, while Louisiana had the highest rate, 6.9 percent. The rates in Alaska (5.6 percent) and Idaho (2.6 percent) set new lows. (All state data begin in 1976.) In total, 25 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 4.4 percent, 13 states and the District of Columbia had higher rates, and 12 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
21 April 2020: March 2020 month on month spike 3rd biggest on record
The graphic below shows the monthly unemployment rate and the month on month growth in the US unemployment rate from the start of 1948. And when zooming in to more recent months one can see that there was a significant spike in the month on month growth in the unemployment rate of the USA. In fact it is the third biggest spike in the month on month USA unemployment rate on record.
The chart above shows the monthly unemployment rate in the United States from January 1948 up to March 2020. When zooming in to the more recent periods one can clearly see the spike in the month on month unemployment rate of the United States. And this are set to become a lot worse before it gets better. Read more about the spike in the month on month unemployment rate in the USA.
23 March 2020: Hiring increased for 10th consecutive year in a row in the United States
We take a look at the latest hiring, firing and quit numbers in the US employment market in 2019. The below is as obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
There were 69.9 million nonfarm hires in 2019, an increase of 1.3 million from 2018 and the tenth consecutive annual increase. Quits also rose for the tenth year in a row, reaching 42.1 million in 2019, up by 1.8 million. Layoffs and discharges edged down by 64,000 in 2019 to 21.7 million.
There were 69.9 million nonfarm hires in 2019, an increase of 1.3 million from 2018 and the tenth consecutive annual increase. Quits also rose for the tenth year in a row, reaching 42.1 million in 2019, up by 1.8 million. Layoffs and discharges edged down by 64,000 in 2019 to 21.7 million.
Hires, layoffs and discharges and quits in the United States per year from 2009 to 2019
From 2009 to 2019, hiring levels have increased steadily, from 46.8 million in 2009 to 69.9 million in 2019. Quit levels showed the same pattern, increasing from a low of 20.9 million in 2009 to 42.1 million in 2019. Layoffs and discharges were at their highest level (27.4 million) in 2009 and were lowest in 2013 at 21.0 million.
22 March 2020: USA unemployment rate set to spike due to Coronavirus lockdown and social distancing
While the latest unemployment rates published for January 2020 were lower in 292 of the 389 metropolitan areas in the USA, as reported by the BLS on Friday 20 March 2020, our expectation is that in coming weeks and months that there will be a significant increase in the number of initial jobless claims and strong increase in the number of people that will be formally unemployed, which will lead to a significant spike in the the unemployment rate of the United States. However lets focus on the numbers as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the month of January 2020
The BLS reported the following "Unemployment rates were lower in January than a year earlier in 292 of the 389 metropolitan areas, higher in 77 areas, and unchanged in 20 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 51 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 4 areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 31 metropolitan areas, decreased in 1 area, and was essentially unchanged in the remaining 357 areas. The national unemployment rate in January was 4.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 4.4 percent a year earlier."
"Metropolitan Area Nonfarm Employment (Not Seasonally Adjusted) In January, 31 metropolitan areas had over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 1 had a decrease, and 357 were essentially unchanged. The largest over-the-year employment increases occurred in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (+119,300), New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (+112,700), and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (+101,000). The largest over-the-year percentage gains in employment occurred in Yuba City, CA (+8.8 percent), and Austin-Round Rock, TX; Boise City, ID; and Salt Lake City, UT (+3.6 percent each). Employment fell in Rockford, IL (-6,300, or -4.2 percent). (See table 3.) Over the year, nonfarm employment rose in 25 of the 51 metropolitan areas with a 2010 Census population of 1 million or more, while employment was essentially unchanged in 26 areas. The largest over-the-year percentage increases in employment in these large metropolitan areas occurred in Austin-Round Rock, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT (+3.6 percent each), and Nashville- Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN (+3.3 percent). "
The BLS reported the following "Unemployment rates were lower in January than a year earlier in 292 of the 389 metropolitan areas, higher in 77 areas, and unchanged in 20 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 51 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 4 areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 31 metropolitan areas, decreased in 1 area, and was essentially unchanged in the remaining 357 areas. The national unemployment rate in January was 4.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 4.4 percent a year earlier."
"Metropolitan Area Nonfarm Employment (Not Seasonally Adjusted) In January, 31 metropolitan areas had over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 1 had a decrease, and 357 were essentially unchanged. The largest over-the-year employment increases occurred in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (+119,300), New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (+112,700), and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (+101,000). The largest over-the-year percentage gains in employment occurred in Yuba City, CA (+8.8 percent), and Austin-Round Rock, TX; Boise City, ID; and Salt Lake City, UT (+3.6 percent each). Employment fell in Rockford, IL (-6,300, or -4.2 percent). (See table 3.) Over the year, nonfarm employment rose in 25 of the 51 metropolitan areas with a 2010 Census population of 1 million or more, while employment was essentially unchanged in 26 areas. The largest over-the-year percentage increases in employment in these large metropolitan areas occurred in Austin-Round Rock, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT (+3.6 percent each), and Nashville- Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN (+3.3 percent). "
25 January 2020: State employment and Unemployment for December 2019
The summary below pertains to the latest state Employment and Unemployment numbers for December 2019 as obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Unemployment rates were lower in December in 11 states, higher in 4 states, and stable in 35 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eight states had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 1 state had an increase, and 41 states and the District had little or no change. The national unemployment rate, 3.5 percent, was unchanged over the month but was 0.4 percentage point lower than in December 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 3 states in December 2019 and was essentially unchanged in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, 26 states added nonfarm payroll jobs and 24 states and the District were essentially unchanged.
This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are modeled based largely on a survey of households. These data pertain to individuals by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. These data pertain to jobs on payrolls defined by where the establishments are located. For more information about the concepts and statistical methodologies used by these two programs, see the Technical Note.
Unemployment
South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont had the lowest unemployment rates in December, 2.3 percent each. The rates in Colorado (2.5 percent), Florida (3.0 percent), Georgia (3.2 percent), Illinois (3.7 percent), Oregon (3.7 percent), South Carolina (2.3 percent), Utah (2.3 percent), and Washington (4.3 percent) set new series lows. (All state series begin in 1976.) Alaska had the highest jobless rate, 6.1 percent. In total, 15 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 3.5 percent, 12 states and the District of Columbia had higher rates, and 23 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
Nevada and Oregon had the largest over-the-month unemployment rate decreases in December (-0.2 percentage point each). Louisiana and Pennsylvania had the largest rate increases (+0.2 percentage point each). Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia had jobless rates that were not notably different from those of a month earlier, though some had changes that were at least as large numerically as the significant changes. (See table B.) Alabama and Colorado had the largest over-the-year unemployment rate decreases (-1.1 percentage points each). The only rate increase from December 2018 occurred in Mississippi (+1.0 percentage point).
Nonfarm Payroll Employment
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in three states in December 2019. The job gains occurred in Texas (+29,800, or +0.2 percent), Washington (+10,900, or +0.3 percent), and Arkansas (+5,400, or +0.4 percent). (See table 3.) Twenty-six states had over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment in December. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+342,800), California (+310,300), and Florida (+212,000). The largest percentage gains occurred in Utah (+3.1 percent), Idaho (+2.9 percent), and Arizona (+2.8 percent).
Unemployment rates were lower in December in 11 states, higher in 4 states, and stable in 35 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eight states had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, 1 state had an increase, and 41 states and the District had little or no change. The national unemployment rate, 3.5 percent, was unchanged over the month but was 0.4 percentage point lower than in December 2018. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 3 states in December 2019 and was essentially unchanged in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Over the year, 26 states added nonfarm payroll jobs and 24 states and the District were essentially unchanged.
This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are modeled based largely on a survey of households. These data pertain to individuals by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. These data pertain to jobs on payrolls defined by where the establishments are located. For more information about the concepts and statistical methodologies used by these two programs, see the Technical Note.
Unemployment
South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont had the lowest unemployment rates in December, 2.3 percent each. The rates in Colorado (2.5 percent), Florida (3.0 percent), Georgia (3.2 percent), Illinois (3.7 percent), Oregon (3.7 percent), South Carolina (2.3 percent), Utah (2.3 percent), and Washington (4.3 percent) set new series lows. (All state series begin in 1976.) Alaska had the highest jobless rate, 6.1 percent. In total, 15 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. figure of 3.5 percent, 12 states and the District of Columbia had higher rates, and 23 states had rates that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
Nevada and Oregon had the largest over-the-month unemployment rate decreases in December (-0.2 percentage point each). Louisiana and Pennsylvania had the largest rate increases (+0.2 percentage point each). Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia had jobless rates that were not notably different from those of a month earlier, though some had changes that were at least as large numerically as the significant changes. (See table B.) Alabama and Colorado had the largest over-the-year unemployment rate decreases (-1.1 percentage points each). The only rate increase from December 2018 occurred in Mississippi (+1.0 percentage point).
Nonfarm Payroll Employment
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in three states in December 2019. The job gains occurred in Texas (+29,800, or +0.2 percent), Washington (+10,900, or +0.3 percent), and Arkansas (+5,400, or +0.4 percent). (See table 3.) Twenty-six states had over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment in December. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+342,800), California (+310,300), and Florida (+212,000). The largest percentage gains occurred in Utah (+3.1 percent), Idaho (+2.9 percent), and Arizona (+2.8 percent).
19 January 2020: Job openings and separations for November 2019
In this update we take a look at the latest numbers released by the BLS regarding the number of job openings as well as separations (quits, layoffs and discharges and other separations) that took place in the USA in November 2019.
The number of job openings fell to 6.8 million (-561,000) on the last business day of November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires and separations were little changed at 5.8 million and 5.6 million, respectively. Within separations, the quits rate was unchanged at 2.3 percent and the layoffs and discharges rate was little changed at 1.1 percent. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the nonfarm sector by industry and by four geographic regions. Job Openings On the last business day of November, the total nonfarm job openings level fell to 6.8 million (-561,000). The job openings rate decreased to 4.3 percent. The job openings level decreased for total private (-520,000) and edged down for government (-42,000). The largest decreases in job openings were in retail trade (-139,000) and construction (-112,000). The number of job openings fell in the South and Midwest regions.
Hires
The number of total nonfarm hires was little changed at 5.8 million in November. The hires rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent. The hires level was little changed in all industries and regions.
Separations
Total separations includes quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations. Total separations is referred to as turnover. Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. Therefore, the quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. Layoffs and discharges are involuntary separations initiated by the employer. Other separations includes separations due to retirement, death, disability, and transfers to other locations of the same firm. In November, the number of total nonfarm total separations was little changed at 5.6 million and the rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent. The number of total separations increased in retail trade (+103,000). Total separations decreased in other services (-53,000) and in federal government (-13,000). The total separations level was little changed in all four regions.
The number of total nonfarm quits was little changed in November at 3.5 million and the rate was unchanged at 2.3 percent. Quits increased in retail trade (+118,000), wholesale trade (+26,000), and nondurable goods manufacturing (+19,000). Quits decreased in other services (-63,000). The number of quits increased in the South region.
The number and rate of total nonfarm layoffs and discharges were little changed in November at 1.7 million and 1.1 percent, respectively. The layoffs and discharges level was little changed for total private and edged down for government (-22,000). The number of layoffs and discharges decreased in federal government (-14,000). The layoffs and discharges level was little changed in all four regions. (See table 5.) The number of total nonfarm other separations was little changed in November. Other separations decreased in accommodation and food services (-13,000), real estate and rental and leasing (-5,000), and state and local government education (-5,000).
The number of other separations was little changed in all four regions. Net Change in Employment Large numbers of hires and separations occur every month throughout the business cycle. Net employment change results from the relationship between hires and separations. When the number of hires exceeds the number of separations, employment rises, even if the hires level is steady or declining. Conversely, when the number of hires is less than the number of separations, employment declines, even if the hires level is steady or rising. Over the 12 months ending in November, hires totaled 69.8 million and separations totaled 67.5 million, yielding a net employment gain of 2.3 million. These totals include workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.
The number of job openings fell to 6.8 million (-561,000) on the last business day of November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires and separations were little changed at 5.8 million and 5.6 million, respectively. Within separations, the quits rate was unchanged at 2.3 percent and the layoffs and discharges rate was little changed at 1.1 percent. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the nonfarm sector by industry and by four geographic regions. Job Openings On the last business day of November, the total nonfarm job openings level fell to 6.8 million (-561,000). The job openings rate decreased to 4.3 percent. The job openings level decreased for total private (-520,000) and edged down for government (-42,000). The largest decreases in job openings were in retail trade (-139,000) and construction (-112,000). The number of job openings fell in the South and Midwest regions.
Hires
The number of total nonfarm hires was little changed at 5.8 million in November. The hires rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent. The hires level was little changed in all industries and regions.
Separations
Total separations includes quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations. Total separations is referred to as turnover. Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. Therefore, the quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. Layoffs and discharges are involuntary separations initiated by the employer. Other separations includes separations due to retirement, death, disability, and transfers to other locations of the same firm. In November, the number of total nonfarm total separations was little changed at 5.6 million and the rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent. The number of total separations increased in retail trade (+103,000). Total separations decreased in other services (-53,000) and in federal government (-13,000). The total separations level was little changed in all four regions.
The number of total nonfarm quits was little changed in November at 3.5 million and the rate was unchanged at 2.3 percent. Quits increased in retail trade (+118,000), wholesale trade (+26,000), and nondurable goods manufacturing (+19,000). Quits decreased in other services (-63,000). The number of quits increased in the South region.
The number and rate of total nonfarm layoffs and discharges were little changed in November at 1.7 million and 1.1 percent, respectively. The layoffs and discharges level was little changed for total private and edged down for government (-22,000). The number of layoffs and discharges decreased in federal government (-14,000). The layoffs and discharges level was little changed in all four regions. (See table 5.) The number of total nonfarm other separations was little changed in November. Other separations decreased in accommodation and food services (-13,000), real estate and rental and leasing (-5,000), and state and local government education (-5,000).
The number of other separations was little changed in all four regions. Net Change in Employment Large numbers of hires and separations occur every month throughout the business cycle. Net employment change results from the relationship between hires and separations. When the number of hires exceeds the number of separations, employment rises, even if the hires level is steady or declining. Conversely, when the number of hires is less than the number of separations, employment declines, even if the hires level is steady or rising. Over the 12 months ending in November, hires totaled 69.8 million and separations totaled 67.5 million, yielding a net employment gain of 2.3 million. These totals include workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.
12 January 2020: USA unemployment rate for December 2019 came in at 3.5%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the latest unemployment rate for the month of December 2019. Below an extract from the BLS press release.
In December, the unemployment rate held at 3.5 percent, and the number of unemployed persons was unchanged at 5.8 million. A year earlier, the jobless rate was 3.9 percent, and the number of unemployed persons was 6.3 million. (See table A-1.) Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.1 percent), adult women (3.2 percent), teenagers (12.6 percent), Whites (3.2 percent), Blacks (5.9 percent), Asians (2.5 percent), and Hispanics (4.2 percent) showed little or no change in December. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.) The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 1.2 million, was unchanged in December and accounted for 20.5 percent of the unemployed. (See table A-12.) The labor force participation rate was unchanged at 63.2 percent in December.
The employment-population ratio was 61.0 percent for the fourth consecutive month but was up by 0.4 percentage point over the year. (See table A-1.) The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons, at 4.1 million, changed little in December but was down by 507,000 over the year. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. (See table A-8.) In December, 1.2 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 310,000 from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.) Among the marginally attached, there were 277,000 discouraged workers in December, down by 98,000 from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 969,000 persons marginally attached to the labor force in December had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. (See table A-16.)
Establishment Survey Data
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 145,000 in December. Notable job gains occurred in retail trade and health care, while mining lost jobs. In 2019, payroll employment rose by 2.1 million, down from a gain of 2.7 million in 2018. (See table B-1.) In December, retail trade added 41,000 jobs. Employment increased in clothing and accessories stores (+33,000) and in building material and garden supply stores (+7,000); both industries showed employment declines in the prior month. Employment in retail trade changed little, on net, in both 2019 and 2018 (+9,000 and +14,000, respectively). Employment in health care increased by 28,000 in December. Ambulatory health care services and hospitals added jobs over the month (+23,000 and +9,000, respectively). Health care added 399,000 jobs in 2019, compared with an increase of 350,000 in 2018. Employment in leisure and hospitality continued to trend up in December (+40,000). The industry added 388,000 jobs in 2019, similar to the increase in 2018 (+359,000). Mining employment declined by 8,000 in December. In 2019, employment in mining declined by 24,000, after rising by 63,000 in 2018. Construction employment changed little in December (+20,000). Employment in the industry rose by 151,000 in 2019, about half of the 2018 gain of 307,000.
In December, employment in professional and business services showed little change (+10,000). The industry added 397,000 jobs in 2019, down from an increase of 561,000 jobs in 2018. Employment in transportation and warehousing changed little in December (-10,000). Employment in the industry increased by 57,000 in 2019, about one-fourth of the 2018 gain of 216,000. Manufacturing employment was little changed in December (-12,000). Employment in the industry changed little in 2019 (+46,000), after increasing in 2018 (+264,000). In December, employment showed little change in other major industries, including wholesale trade, information, financial activities, and government. In December, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 3 cents to $28.32. Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 2.9 percent. In December, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees, at $23.79, were little changed (+2 cents). (See tables B-3 and B-8.) The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged at 34.3 hours in December. In manufacturing, the average workweek and overtime remained at 40.5 hours and 3.2 hours, respectively.
The average workweek of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees held at 33.5 hours. (See tables B-2 and B-7.) The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for October was revised down by 4,000 from +156,000 to +152,000, and the change for November was revised down by 10,000 from +266,000 to +256,000. With these revisions, employment gains in October and November combined were 14,000 lower than previously reported. (Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors.) After revisions, job gains have averaged 184,000 over the last 3 months.
In December, the unemployment rate held at 3.5 percent, and the number of unemployed persons was unchanged at 5.8 million. A year earlier, the jobless rate was 3.9 percent, and the number of unemployed persons was 6.3 million. (See table A-1.) Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (3.1 percent), adult women (3.2 percent), teenagers (12.6 percent), Whites (3.2 percent), Blacks (5.9 percent), Asians (2.5 percent), and Hispanics (4.2 percent) showed little or no change in December. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.) The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 1.2 million, was unchanged in December and accounted for 20.5 percent of the unemployed. (See table A-12.) The labor force participation rate was unchanged at 63.2 percent in December.
The employment-population ratio was 61.0 percent for the fourth consecutive month but was up by 0.4 percentage point over the year. (See table A-1.) The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons, at 4.1 million, changed little in December but was down by 507,000 over the year. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. (See table A-8.) In December, 1.2 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 310,000 from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.) Among the marginally attached, there were 277,000 discouraged workers in December, down by 98,000 from a year earlier. (Data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 969,000 persons marginally attached to the labor force in December had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. (See table A-16.)
Establishment Survey Data
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 145,000 in December. Notable job gains occurred in retail trade and health care, while mining lost jobs. In 2019, payroll employment rose by 2.1 million, down from a gain of 2.7 million in 2018. (See table B-1.) In December, retail trade added 41,000 jobs. Employment increased in clothing and accessories stores (+33,000) and in building material and garden supply stores (+7,000); both industries showed employment declines in the prior month. Employment in retail trade changed little, on net, in both 2019 and 2018 (+9,000 and +14,000, respectively). Employment in health care increased by 28,000 in December. Ambulatory health care services and hospitals added jobs over the month (+23,000 and +9,000, respectively). Health care added 399,000 jobs in 2019, compared with an increase of 350,000 in 2018. Employment in leisure and hospitality continued to trend up in December (+40,000). The industry added 388,000 jobs in 2019, similar to the increase in 2018 (+359,000). Mining employment declined by 8,000 in December. In 2019, employment in mining declined by 24,000, after rising by 63,000 in 2018. Construction employment changed little in December (+20,000). Employment in the industry rose by 151,000 in 2019, about half of the 2018 gain of 307,000.
In December, employment in professional and business services showed little change (+10,000). The industry added 397,000 jobs in 2019, down from an increase of 561,000 jobs in 2018. Employment in transportation and warehousing changed little in December (-10,000). Employment in the industry increased by 57,000 in 2019, about one-fourth of the 2018 gain of 216,000. Manufacturing employment was little changed in December (-12,000). Employment in the industry changed little in 2019 (+46,000), after increasing in 2018 (+264,000). In December, employment showed little change in other major industries, including wholesale trade, information, financial activities, and government. In December, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 3 cents to $28.32. Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 2.9 percent. In December, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees, at $23.79, were little changed (+2 cents). (See tables B-3 and B-8.) The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged at 34.3 hours in December. In manufacturing, the average workweek and overtime remained at 40.5 hours and 3.2 hours, respectively.
The average workweek of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees held at 33.5 hours. (See tables B-2 and B-7.) The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for October was revised down by 4,000 from +156,000 to +152,000, and the change for November was revised down by 10,000 from +266,000 to +256,000. With these revisions, employment gains in October and November combined were 14,000 lower than previously reported. (Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors.) After revisions, job gains have averaged 184,000 over the last 3 months.
9 January 2020: Unemployment rate of metropolitan areas in the USA
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kokomo, Indiana had the largest decline in its year in year unemployment rate for November 2019 with its unemployment rate declining -4.6% over the course of the last 12 months
Unemployment rates were lower in November 2019 than a year earlier in 223 of the 389 metropolitan areas, higher in 137 areas, and unchanged in 29 areas. Kokomo, Indiana, had the largest over-the-year unemployment rate decrease in November (−4.6 percentage points), followed by Rockford, Illinois (−4.3 points), and Panama City, Florida (−4.2 points). Twenty-six other areas had rate declines of at least 1.0 percentage point. The largest over-the-year rate increase occurred in El Centro, California (2.1 percentage points).
Unemployment rates were lower in November 2019 than a year earlier in 223 of the 389 metropolitan areas, higher in 137 areas, and unchanged in 29 areas. Kokomo, Indiana, had the largest over-the-year unemployment rate decrease in November (−4.6 percentage points), followed by Rockford, Illinois (−4.3 points), and Panama City, Florida (−4.2 points). Twenty-six other areas had rate declines of at least 1.0 percentage point. The largest over-the-year rate increase occurred in El Centro, California (2.1 percentage points).
The image below obtained from the BLS, shows the over the year change in the unemployment rate of the metropolitan areas in the USA for November 2019.
Logan, Utah-Idaho (1.5 percent), and Ames, Iowa (1.6 percent), had the lowest unemployment rates in November 2019. El Centro, California (20.6 percent), and Yuma, Arizona (15.4 percent), had the highest unemployment rates. A total of 215 areas had November jobless rates below the U.S. rate of 3.3 percent, 161 areas had rates above it, and 13 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.