The above chart gives a view of the top 10 performing U.S. job markets over the past 12 months as measured by the year-over-year change in the unemployment rate. The measure is for the year-over-year period from June 2008 until June 2009. For example, Bismark, North Dakota had an unemployment rate of 3.2% for June 2008 and a 3.8% unemployment rate in June 2009 for a .6% increase (or 60 basis points).
Data source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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The above charts show the best and worst job markets in the U.S. as measured by the unemployment rate. All markets are based on metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).
Later today the national unemployment numbers are released for April 2009. I will try to get a chart out showing the data this morning. I will also include some information on the suffering rate (or true unemployment rate). So check back.
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
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The above chart shows the top 25 job markets in the U.S. as measured by the unemployment rate in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The data is as of February 2009 (the most current information available for MSAs). A couple observations: 1) Louisiana and Iowa both have four MSAs in the top 25, and 2) many of the top 25 MSAs are large college towns. Employment in all of these MSAs is faring significantly better than the national average. The current national unemployment rate is 8.5%.
Check back tomorrow to see the worst 25 job markets.
Data Source:
> Bureau of Labor Statistics
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