Employment–population ratio less than 50.0 percent for 10 states in May 2020

From BLS, JULY 15, 2020

In May 2020, the proportion of the statewide civilian non-institutional population age 16 and over with a job was less than 50.0 percent in 10 states. Nevada had the lowest employment–population ratio in May 2020, at 41.9 percent. This compared with 61.1 percent in May 2019.

Hawaii is second-lowest at 45.0 percent.  This compared with 59.0 percent in May 2019.

In May 2020, other states with employment-population ratios of less than 50.0 percent included Hawaii, Michigan, Florida, Mississippi, West Virginia, California, Louisiana, New York, and New Mexico. Nebraska had the highest employment–population ratio in May 2020, at 67.1 percent, down from 67.7 percent in May 2019. Other states with high employment–population ratios were North Dakota (62.5 percent), and South Dakota and Minnesota (62.1 percent each).

In addition to Nevada, 7 other states experienced a decrease in their employment–population ratio of at least 10.0-percentage points from May 2019 to May 2020. These included Hawaii (−14.0 percentage points), Massachusetts (−13.3 percentage points), Michigan (−12.3 percentage points), New Hampshire (−12.2 percentage points), Rhode Island (−11.4 percentage points), and Florida and California (−10.1 percentage points each).

LINK: Hawaii Economy at a Glance

These data are from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program and are seasonally adjusted. Data for the most recent month are preliminary. Also, see more information on statewide employment–population ratios and more charts and maps on state employment.

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