The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) last week reported that Maryland added 53,900 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate decreased to 7.6 % — more than 25% lower than the national unemployment rate.
Unemployment rates in July ticked down in 30 states, ticked up in 9 states, and remained stable in 11 states. The national unemployment rate fell by 0.9 percentage points over the month to 10.2% — but was 6.5 points higher than in July 2019.
“We are doing much better on our health metrics than most of the country, and we are doing much better on our economic recovery than most of the country, and we want to do what it takes to keep it that way,” said Governor Larry Hogan.
According to a press release:
“I want to thank the many businesses that have been taking the health and safety precautions so seriously, and those that have been taking the ‘Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge’ and displaying it on their storefronts and places of business,” said Governor Hogan. “Your actions are helping us get more Marylanders back to work, and keep Maryland open for business.”
June’s preliminary jobs estimate was revised upwards by 5,600 jobs, from a gain of 68,300 jobs to a gain of 73,900 jobs.
According to today’s report, the Leisure and Hospitality sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 26,100 jobs. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector increased by 8,300 jobs from the Retail Trade (5,500), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (2,500), and Wholesale Trade (300) subsectors.
Other sectors that experienced growth include: Other Services (4,100); Mining, Logging, and Construction (2,600); Manufacturing (1,500); Financial Activities (600); and Information (100). The Professional and Business Services sector decreased by 2,500 jobs. The Education and Health Services sector decreased by 500 jobs.
Nationally, Massachusetts had the highest unemployment rate in July, at 16.1%, followed by New York, at 15.9%. Utah had the lowest unemployment rate, at 4.5%, followed by Nebraska, at 4.8%, and Idaho, at 5.0%, according to the BLS.
Useful Links
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): State Employment and Unemployment Summary
