Though the Great Recession is technically over, most states have yet to see much improvement in their labor markets. There are still 13 states with double-digit unemployment rates, and all 50 states and the District of Columbia have higher unemployment rates today than when the recession began. However, the situation for workers is vastly different across the country: Nevada set a new state record with their unemployment rate of 14.4%, while the rate in North Dakota is just 3.7%.

Most states have experienced modest job growth over 2010, but not nearly enough growth to bring unemployment rates down to acceptable levels. The nation overall has about 700,000 more jobs than in December, 2009. However, this job growth is about the same rate as population growth – in order to get back to pre-recession unemployment rates, we need much faster job growth.

Unemployment Rate by State
August 2010 compared to start of recession, Dec. 2007

                                     Dec 2007      Aug 2010