The United States of Unemployment

What We're Showing

The national unemployment rate for the U.S. rose to 4.3% in August 2025. But that figure masks vast differences in local labor market health across states. 

In this Markets in a Minute graphic, created in partnership with Terzo, we map all 50 states and the District of Columbia by their August 2025 unemployment rates. Data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Key Takeaways

• As of August 2025, unemployment rates vary widely across the United States.
• Coastal states are seeing higher unemployment, while rural areas are leading the nation with low jobless rates.
• The District of Columbia now has the highest unemployment rate at 6.0%, up from 5.3% in January.