36 states had quits rates equal to or higher than the national rate of 2.3 percent

The quits rate (the number of quits during the entire month as a percentage of total employment) for the nation was 2.3 percent in September 2023. Thirty-six states had quits rates of 2.3 percent or higher. Among those with the highest rates were Montana (3.5 percent) and Alaska and Wyoming (3.4 percent each).

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia had quits rates below 2.3 percent. Many of these were Northeastern states, but some were in the Midwest and West. Quits rates in Massachusetts and New York (1.5 percent each) were among those that were the lowest.

From August 2023 to September 2023, quits rates decreased in 5 states, increased in 2 states, and were little changed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The largest decreases in quits rates occurred in Colorado (−0.7 percentage point) and in Iowa and Nebraska (−0.6 point each). The increases occurred in Florida (+0.5 point) and in New Jersey (+0.4 point). Over the month, the national quits rate was unchanged.

The number of quits decreased in 7 states, increased in 4 states, and was little changed in 39 states and the District of Columbia in September. The largest decreases in the number of quits occurred in Ohio (−28,000) and Colorado (−22,000), as well as in Alabama and Utah (−10,000 each). The largest increases occurred in Florida (+42,000), New York (+20,000), and New Jersey (+15,000). Nationally, the number of quits changed little over the month.

These data are from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and are seasonally adjusted. Data for the most recent month are preliminary. For more information, see "State Job Openings and Labor Turnover — September 2023" and charts featuring state labor turnover data. Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. The quits rate is the number of quits during the entire month as a percentage of total employment. It can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs.