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.

Last updated: Feb. 16, 2021

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%

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%

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%

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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%

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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%

More From GOBankingRates

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.