1-866-646-8465
CHARTS
0

Your Cart:

Subtotal: $0.00

Unemployment Rises in Most U.S. States in July

Several unemployed people standing in a line in a room with yellow walls

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unemployment rates rose in 30 U.S. states last month, even as employers in two-thirds of the states stepped up hiring. The trends reflect an increase in job-hunters nationwide as an improving economy has encouraged more people to seek work.

The Labor Department said Monday that unemployment rates fell in eight states in July and were unchanged in 12. At the same time, hiring rose in 36 states, fell in 13, and was unchanged in Iowa.

The national unemployment rate ticked up to 6.2 percent in July from 6.1 percent in June, the government said earlier this month, even as employers added 209,000 jobs.

The reason the rate rose nationwide even as hiring increased is that more Americans launched job searches but didn't find work. That lifted the number of unemployed. Still, the rise in people seeking jobs suggests they're more optimistic about their prospects.

The jobless aren't counted as unemployed unless they're actively seeking work.

Mississippi had the highest unemployment rate in July, at 8 percent, its first month with the highest since the 2008-2009 Great Recession. In June, Mississippi and Rhode Island had tied with rates of 7.9 percent. Rhode Island had the highest rate for several months earlier this year. After recession ended in June 2009, Michigan and then Nevada typically had the highest rates.

In July, Georgia had the second-highest rate, at 7.8 percent. Michigan, Rhode Island and Nevada were tied with the third-highest, at 7.7 percent.

North Dakota had the lowest rate in the nation, as it has for many years, at 2.8 percent. The state is benefiting from an oil and gas drilling boom. Utah and Nebraska were tied with the next lowest rates, at 3.6 percent.

The biggest job gains were in Texas, which added 46,600 jobs, followed by California, with 27,700 and Michigan, with 17,900.

Despite this month's increases, state unemployment rates have significantly improved nationwide in the past year. That trend has reduced regional differences.

The Midwest had the lowest rate of the nation's four largest regions in July, at 5.9 percent. The West had the highest, at 6.6 percent. The rate was 6.1 percent in the South and the Northeast.

That gap of 0.7 percentage points from the lowest to highest is narrower than a year earlier. In July 2013, the South had the lowest rate, at 7.1 percent, and the West the highest, at 8.1 percent.

This story appeared in The Guardian by the Associated Press. View article here.

Recent Articles

What Is Silver Used for? 10 Fascinating Uses for Silver

What Is Silver Used for? 10 Fascinating Uses for Silver

Silver might not always get the glory and attention that gold does, but it remains one of the most useful precious metals in the world. Solar technology, electronics, soldering and brazing, engine bearings, medicine, cars, water purification, jewelry, tableware, and...

Can an IRA Account Be Gifted?

Can an IRA Account Be Gifted?

One of the most important reasons we work to grow our wealth is to leave something behind for our loved ones. For my parents, this was not an option. They were entrepreneurs and immigrants who were not aware of all their savings and retirement options. Thankfully, I...

Gold Stocks vs. Physical Gold — What Is the Difference?

Gold Stocks vs. Physical Gold — What Is the Difference?

You want to buy gold to help diversify your portfolio, but you’re not sure whether you should buy physical gold vs gold stocks. You may be asking yourself: Are they essentially the same thing? Does your portfolio experience the same benefits if you buy physical gold...

Can You Buy Gold and Silver From a Bank?

Can You Buy Gold and Silver From a Bank?

Central banks are among the largest buyers of gold and have some of the largest gold holdings, yet it’s very rare for customers to be able to buy gold at banks. In fact, it’s unusual for typical banks to sell any precious metals. And even when they do, their selection...

Flying with Gold Coins? What You Need to Know About TSA Guidelines

Flying with Gold Coins? What You Need to Know About TSA Guidelines

You’ve decided to buy gold coins for your four kids as holiday gifts, and you’ll be flying from Albuquerque to Atlanta with these prized presents. First off, you’re a great gift giver! Gold coin gifts are Santa-approved. Second, and more importantly, you need to know...

How to Find a Lost IRA and What to Do With It

How to Find a Lost IRA and What to Do With It

Retirement accounts are often “lost” when people switch jobs, go through a major life change like a divorce, or transition among financial institutions. “There are more than 24 million ‘forgotten’ 401(k) accounts containing some $1.35 trillion in assets,” according to...

Start diversifying today

   1-866-646-8465

As one of the largest distributors of precious metals in the nation, U.S. Money Reserve gives you access to our highly-trained team.

U.S. Money Reserve Gold Kit and Global Gold Forecast Special Report Thumbnail
The Ultimate Guide

Free Gold Information Kit

Sign up now to receive the ultimate guide to gold ownership, unlock special offers, and more.