The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics is responsible for maintaining monthly unemployment rates by state. Most Americans are unaware that the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks more than just the popular “national unemployment rate”. In fact, not only does the Bureau maintain total of six different national unemployment figures through the use of two major surveys each month, but also monitors and publishes data relating to unemployment rates for every state in the Union. The gathering of the statistical data for each of these different unemployment variables takes a massive effort and is done with great efficiency each month. Not only is important to keep track of the popular national unemployment rate for the country but individual should also be familiar with and understand the other variables used to determine how healthy are state and national workforces really are. This article will examine the six national figures provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics each month an outline where to find unemployment rates by state.
Through the use of two major surveys, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on six different aspects of unemployment for the entire United States. The first survey reaches out to hundreds of thousands of businesses to determine whether their payrolls are stagnant, increasing, or decreasing. The second survey utilizes data collected from individual households to determine how many household members are employed, unemployed, disabled, or retired.
The six sets of statistical data are tracked through simple naming system where each one begins with the letter “U” and then a number. “U1” represents the number of people who have unsuccessfully been looking for work for 15 weeks or more. “U2” represents how many individuals who would like to work but are not are out of the job. “U3” is the well-known “national unemployment rate” is frequently discussed in the media when the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides monthly reports. “U4” represents the number of people who would like to work but have stopped looking for jobs present time because they do not believe that any available jobs are out there for them. “U5” is a combination of “U4” and the number of people who are considered “discouraged” in their job search. Finally, “U6” is a combination of “U5” plus those individuals who are working reduced work hours against their will and are currently experiencing underemployment.
State Unemployment Rates
Beyond the national unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a “U3” unemployment rates by state. It may surprise some people find that many individual states of the United States are faring very well with their together workforce. For example, even though (at the time this article was written) the national unemployment rate was above 9%, the state of North Dakota is only experiencing underemployment for 3.3% of its total workforce. Several other states within the central part of the country are also enjoying relatively low numbers, including South Dakota and Nebraska.
However, not all states benefit right now from low unemployment numbers. Nevada, California, and Arizona, three of the states which had the biggest real estate boom in the time leading up to the recession the United States experience beginning in 2008, have been hard-hit and are among the worst in unemployment rates in the country.
To find out the current unemployment rate for your state, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website for more information.
Source: bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
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