As a follow-up to the national unemployment data for February, released in early March, last Friday the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at the Department of Labor released additional information on regional and state employment and unemployment data for February. The report showed that 22 states experienced a decrease in the unemployment rate, 12 states posted an increase in unemployment, and 16 states plus the District of Columbia had no change in the month of February. At a regional level, the West continued to record the highest unemployment rate at 8.5 percent, while the South recorded the lowest rate at 7.3 percent. Meanwhile, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 42 states and decreased in the remaining eight states plus the District of Columbia. As was reported in early March, the overall national unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent in February.

Link(s): BLS News Release