Map Shows States Where Unemployment Is Growing Two Weeks Before Midterm
Summary
The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that seven U.S. states have higher unemployment rates now compared to one year ago, despite the overall national rate staying low at 4.2%. Major companies like Kroger, Pfizer, Amazon, and Netflix have recently announced job cuts, which may impact future unemployment numbers.Key Facts
- The national unemployment rate in September 2026 was 4.2%.
- South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.0%, and Washington, D.C. had the highest at 5.6%.
- Seven states saw their unemployment rates rise from September 2025 to September 2026: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
- Connecticut's unemployment rate increased the most, by 0.9%, reaching 5.1%, which is above the national average.
- No states showed a significant unemployment rate change between August and September 2026.
- Some large companies recently announced layoffs: Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate jobs, Pfizer about 150 jobs, Amazon announced more cuts, and Netflix may reduce around 5% of its workforce.
- Twenty states have unemployment rates below the national average, while Washington, D.C., California, and Michigan have rates above it.
- The detailed report does not include information on industries, job types, or demographics that might explain the changes in unemployment rates.
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