Employment & Jobs

In June 2026, the U.S. unemployment rate held at 4.2 percent, with rates lower in 8 states, higher in 2, and stable in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, and Minnesota recorded the largest year-over-year increases, while California, Indiana, Iowa, and Alaska saw declines. This article examines the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics state employment and unemployment data, including rankings, 12-month changes, and the number of unemployed by state.

The U.S. unemployment rate is calculated from the monthly Current Population Survey, a sample of about 60,000 households. It divides the number of unemployed people actively seeking work by the total labor force. The rate excludes people not in the labor force and is not based on unemployment insurance claims.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in July 2026, down from 4.2% in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It measures the share of the labor force that is actively looking for work but not currently employed. The rate remains near historically low levels after a sharp pandemic spike and gradual cooling.