The unemployment picture across the nation was generally positive, with the rate falling in 28 states last month—led by Missouri and South Caroline with the biggest drops of 0.4 percent over the month of September.
Compared to October 2012, the states with the biggest unemployment drop were Florida, California and North Carolina with drops of 1.5 percent and West Virginia and South Carolina with drops of 1.3 percent
While the unemployment rate fell in 28 states, the non-farm payroll employment increased in 34 states—demonstrating that the unemployment drop was led by people actually getting new jobs, as opposed to them no longer looking for work.
The lowest unemployment rate in the country was boasted once again by North Dakota, which has held that distinction since 2008. North Dakota’s rate actually dropped in the last month down to 2.7 percent. The state has been the beneficiary of an energy boom that has also benefitted other states in the region, such as South Dakota, whose rate was 3.7 percent, and Nebraska at 3.9 percent.
Nevada has had the nation’s highest unemployment rate since 2010 and that trend continued in October, when its rate was 9.3. But that rate is still a full percentage point lower than October 2012, meaning the Silver State might finally be showing recovery from the recession and the housing bust that devastated the area.
Florida had the biggest gain in jobs last month with the addition of 44,600 jobs, followed by California at 39,800 jobs and North Carolina at 22,200.
Kentucky led the job losers with a loss of 12,600, while Washington lost 8,100 and South Dakota, 2,600.
Texas is the nation’s biggest winner of the past year in job gains, adding 267,400—with California second with 207,300 and Florida third with 182,200.
