The COVID-19 Unemployment Story in Your State

As it became clear in early 2020 that the virus wasn’t going away, the indications kept piling up that things were bad and getting worse. The point of no return, however, came in April, when the national unemployment rate more than tripled from 4.4% to 14.8%. That incredible evaporation of millions of jobs in a single month was unprecedented and could have been an economic extinction-level event. In some places, the numbers were even worse — but in other places, they were much better. Just as the virus affected every state differently and at different times, the unemployment situation varied dramatically from state to state as well. 

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To find out exactly how each state’s labor market fared during the year of the virus, GOBankingRates used the Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find several key pieces of information for each state, the District of Columbia and the United States as a whole. Those data points included each state’s unemployment rate for every month of the year, how it changed year over year, the month when unemployment peaked and how that peak compared to the jobless rate at the end of the year in December.

Alabama

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 44.44%
• Peak unemployment: 12.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -69.77%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.8%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.9%

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Alaska

• YoY percent change in unemployment: -3.33%
• Peak unemployment: 12.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -55.04%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 5.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.6%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 12.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 11.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.9%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.8%

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Arizona

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 66.67%
• Peak unemployment: 12.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -40.48%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.6%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 10.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%

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Arkansas

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 20.00%
• Peak unemployment: 10.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -58.82%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%

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California

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 130.77%
• Peak unemployment: 16.3%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -44.79%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.9%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.9%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.5%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 16.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 14.9%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 13.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 11.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 11.0%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 9.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 9.0%

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Colorado

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 236.00%
• Peak unemployment: 11.3%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -25.66%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 10.5%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%

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Connecticut

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 116.22%
• Peak unemployment: 10.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -21.57%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 7.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 9.8%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%

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Delaware

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 32.50%
• Peak unemployment: 15.8%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -66.46%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.0%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.9%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 15.8%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 12.5%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%

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District of Columbia

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 51.92%
• Peak unemployment: 11.1%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -28.83%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 5.2%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 5.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.7%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.9%

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Florida

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 117.86%
• Peak unemployment: 14.5%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -57.93%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 14.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 10.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.5%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%

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Georgia

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 80.65%
• Peak unemployment: 11.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -52.94%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.7%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%

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Hawaii

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 244.44%
• Peak unemployment: 22.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -58.85%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 22.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 22.6%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 13.9%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 13.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 12.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 15.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 14.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 10.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 9.3%

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Idaho

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 57.14%
• Peak unemployment: 11.5%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -61.74%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.5%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%

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Illinois

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 117.14%
• Peak unemployment: 16.4%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -53.66%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 16.4%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 15.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 14.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 11.0%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.8%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%

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Indiana

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 38.71%
• Peak unemployment: 16.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -74.56%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 16.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 11.2%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.3%

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Iowa

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 10.71%
• Peak unemployment: 10.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -69.61%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 10.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 4.7%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%

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Kansas

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 22.58%
• Peak unemployment: 11.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -66.07%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 10.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.9%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%

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Kentucky

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 39.53%
• Peak unemployment: 15.4%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -61.04%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.8%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.4%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 11.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 4.3%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 5.7%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%

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Louisiana

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 35.85%
• Peak unemployment: 14.5%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -50.34%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 5.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.5%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 13.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.3%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%

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Maine

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 58.06%
• Peak unemployment: 10.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -53.77%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 10.6%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%

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Maryland

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 90.91%
• Peak unemployment: 9.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -36.36%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.8%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%

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Massachusetts

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 164.29%
• Peak unemployment (%): 17.4%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -57.47%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.9%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 16.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 17.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 16.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 9.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%

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Michigan

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 97.37%
• Peak unemployment: 22.7%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -66.96%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 22.7%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 21.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 14.8%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.7%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.7%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%

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Minnesota

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 37.50%
• Peak unemployment: 9.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -55.56%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.7%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%

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Mississippi

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 12.73%
• Peak unemployment: 15.4%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -59.74%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 5.4%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.4%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 10.6%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.8%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%

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Missouri

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 65.71%
• Peak unemployment: 10.1%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -42.57%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 10.1%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.9%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.0%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.8%

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Montana

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 25.71%
• Peak unemployment: 11.3%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -61.06%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%

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Nebraska

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 3.45%
• Peak unemployment: 8.3%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -63.86%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.9%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.9%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 8.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 5.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 4.0%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 3.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.0%

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Nevada

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 155.56%
• Peak unemployment: 28.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -67.38%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 28.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 25.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 15.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 14.0%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 13.2%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 12.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 12.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 10.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 9.2%

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New Hampshire

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 53.85%
• Peak unemployment: 16.3%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -75.46%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 16.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 14.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 11.8%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.0%

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New Jersey

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 100.00%
• Peak unemployment: 16.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -54.22%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 15.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 16.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 13.8%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 10.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%

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New Mexico

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 70.83%
• Peak unemployment: 12.7%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -35.43%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.9%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.3%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 12.7%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 7.5%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%

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New York

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 115.79%
• Peak unemployment: 15.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -48.43%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.5%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 14.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 15.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 15.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 12.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 9.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 8.2%

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North Carolina

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 72.22%
• Peak unemployment: 12.9%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -51.94%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%

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North Dakota

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 78.26%
• Peak unemployment: 9.1%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -54.95%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.1%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%

Ohio

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 34.15%
• Peak unemployment: 16.8%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -67.26%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 16.8%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 13.7%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 10.9%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.7%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%

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Oklahoma

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 60.61%
• Peak unemployment: 13.7%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -61.31%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 13.7%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.6%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 5.7%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.9%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%

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Oregon

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 93.94%
• Peak unemployment: 14.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -54.93%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 14.2%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 11.2%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.4%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 7.7%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%

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Pennsylvania

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 42.55%
• Peak unemployment: 15.1%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -55.63%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 4.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 13.1%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 13.0%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 13.7%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 10.3%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%

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Rhode Island

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 138.24%
• Peak unemployment (%): 17%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -52.35%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 17.0%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 16.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 12.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 11.2%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 12.8%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 10.5%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 7.3%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%

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South Carolina

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 91.67%
• Peak unemployment: 12.5%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -63.20%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.4%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.6%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.6%

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South Dakota

• YoY percent change in unemployment: -11.76%
• Peak unemployment: 10.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -70.59%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.0%

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Tennessee

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 93.94%
• Peak unemployment: 14.7%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -56.46%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.7%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 11.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 9.5%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 7.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%

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Texas

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 105.71%
• Peak unemployment: 13%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -44.62%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.7%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 12.8%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 13.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.8%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.3%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 8.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.2%

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Utah

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 44.00%
• Peak unemployment: 9.7%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -62.89%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 9.7%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 4.5%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 4.1%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.3%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.6%

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Vermont

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 29.17%
• Peak unemployment: 15.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -80.13%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.4%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.4%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.6%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.7%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 4.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 3.2%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 3.1%

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Virginia

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 81.48%
• Peak unemployment: 10.6%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -53.77%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 2.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 2.6%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.3%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 10.6%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 9.4%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 8.0%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.3%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%

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Washington

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 82.05%
• Peak unemployment: 15.4%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -53.90%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.9%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.8%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.4%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 15.1%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 9.8%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.3%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.0%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%

See: 11 Basic Money Moves Everyone Should Make During Hard Times

West Virginia

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 26.00%
• Peak unemployment: 15.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -58.55%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 4.9%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 15.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.9%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 10.4%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 9.9%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.9%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 8.6%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.4%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.3%

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Wisconsin

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 57.14%
• Peak unemployment: 14.1%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -60.99%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.4%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.1%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 12.0%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 8.5%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.0%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.2%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 5.4%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.7%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.0%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%

Read: Best and Worst Cities To Score Your Dream Job

Wyoming

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 29.73%
• Peak unemployment: 9.2%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -47.83%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 3.7%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 9.2%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 8.8%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 7.6%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 7.1%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 6.6%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 6.1%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 5.5%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 5.1%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 4.8%

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United States

• YoY percent change in unemployment: 91.43%
• Peak unemployment: 14.8%
• Percent change from peak to Dec. 2020: -54.73%
• January 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• February 2020 unemployment rate: 3.5%
• March 2020 unemployment rate: 4.4%
• April 2020 unemployment rate: 14.8%
• May 2020 unemployment rate: 13.3%
• June 2020 unemployment rate: 11.1%
• July 2020 unemployment rate: 10.2%
• August 2020 unemployment rate: 8.4%
• September 2020 unemployment rate: 7.8%
• October 2020 unemployment rate: 6.9%
• November 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%
• December 2020 unemployment rate: 6.7%

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Methodology: GOBankingRates used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' State Employment and Unemployment Archived News Releases for 2020 to find each state's (1) unemployment rate for every month in 2020. GOBankingRates then found the (2) year-over-year change in unemployment; (3) year-over-year percent change in unemployment; (4) peak (highest) unemployment rate in 2020; (5) change from peak unemployment to December 2020 unemployment rate; and (6) percent change from peak unemployment to December 2020 for each state. All data were collected on and up to date as of Feb. 1, 2021.

About the Author

Andrew Lisa

Andrew Lisa has been writing professionally since 2001. An award-winning writer, Andrew was formerly one of the youngest nationally distributed columnists for the largest newspaper syndicate in the country, the Gannett News Service. He worked as the business section editor for amNewYork, the most widely distributed newspaper in Manhattan, and worked as a copy editor for TheStreet.com, a financial publication in the heart of Wall Street's investment community in New York City.

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