Changes in unemployment rates by region in January

March 11, 2004

Unemployment rates declined in January 2004 in three of the four regions and in most states.

[Chart data—TXT]

The South had the lowest unemployment rate among the four regions in January, 5.2 percent, followed by the Midwest, 5.5 percent, and Northeast, 5.7 percent. The West continued to report the highest rate, 5.9 percent, despite a 0.4-percentage point decline from December 2003. The Midwest and South also recorded over-the-month rate decreases of 0.4-percentage point each. The unemployment rate for the Northeast was unchanged.

These data are from the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics program. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for January 2004 are preliminary and subject to revision. To learn more, see "Regional and State Employment and Unemployment: January 2004" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 04-378.