The COVID-19 Unemployment Story in Your State

Andrew Lisa
·29 min read
Mladen_Kostic / Getty Images
Mladen_Kostic / Getty Images

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.

Read: Americans’ Savings Drop to Lowest Point in Years

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

American Flags flying in a small town square.
American Flags flying in a small town square.

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%

See: Biden Wants to Shut Down Credit Bureaus – What Would That Mean for You?

Downtown of Sitka Alaska at sunset.
Downtown of Sitka Alaska at sunset.

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%

More: Never Got Your Stimulus Check? Claim It on Your Taxes

An aerial view of a Phoenix, Arizona freeway during rush hour shot from an altitude of about 1500 feet during a helicopter photo flight using a wide angle lens.
An aerial view of a Phoenix, Arizona freeway during rush hour shot from an altitude of about 1500 feet during a helicopter photo flight using a wide angle lens.

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%

Read: Economy Explained: Understanding US Productivity and All the Ways It Affects You

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA town skyline in the mountains.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA town skyline in the mountains.

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%

Economy Explained: National Debt and Deficit — What Is It and How Does It Affect Me?

Aerial view of Harbor Drive flanked by highrise hotels and condominiums to the right and the San Diego Convention Center, home to Comic Con, to the left.
Aerial view of Harbor Drive flanked by highrise hotels and condominiums to the right and the San Diego Convention Center, home to Comic Con, to the left.

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%

See: Fortune 500 Companies That Added the Most New Jobs in 2020

Downtown Colorado Springs at Dusk.
Downtown Colorado Springs at Dusk.

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%

Read: 30 Things You Do That Can Mess Up Your Credit Score

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford, Connecticut on an overcast day.
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford, Connecticut on an overcast day.

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%

Find Out: Handshakes and More Office Rules Changed by COVID

State Capitol Building of Delaware.
State Capitol Building of Delaware.

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%

Check Out: What It’s Like To Job Hunt During a Pandemic

Washington Monument on the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.
Washington Monument on the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.

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%

See: The 6 Most Important Tax Deductions You Need to Claim

Panoramic sunrise landscape view of the small Islands Sunset Key and Wisteria Island of the Island of Key West, Florida Keys.
Panoramic sunrise landscape view of the small Islands Sunset Key and Wisteria Island of the Island of Key West, Florida Keys.

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%

Tips: How To Interview For a Job When You’re Wearing a Mask

Condos in Atlanta suburbs just next to Highway GA 400.
Condos in Atlanta suburbs just next to Highway GA 400.

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%

Helpful: How To Protect Yourself When You Return to Your Office

Lahaina Harbor on a beautiful day on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Lahaina Harbor on a beautiful day on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

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%

More: The Major Tax Changes for 2021 You Need To Know About

This is a suburban neighborhood in Boise Idaho.
This is a suburban neighborhood in Boise Idaho.

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%

Find Out: How To Interview for a Job Over Zoom

GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS/USA - APRIL 01, 2020: Marquee on small town movie theater in the Midwest U.
GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS/USA - APRIL 01, 2020: Marquee on small town movie theater in the Midwest U.

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%

Read: 6 Career Mistakes To Avoid During an Economic Downturn

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA skyline over Monument Circle.
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA skyline over Monument Circle.

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%

Read On: Hidden Obstacles That Keep People From Retirement

DES MOINES, IOWA - JULY 11, 2018: Des Moines, Iowa Skyline from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
DES MOINES, IOWA - JULY 11, 2018: Des Moines, Iowa Skyline from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

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%

See: 50 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing

Historical America; Historical travel destination; Patriotic location.
Historical America; Historical travel destination; Patriotic location.

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%

Options:5 Things To Negotiate at Your Job Other Than Salary

The Kentucky River meanders along framing the downtown urban core of Frankfort KY.
The Kentucky River meanders along framing the downtown urban core of Frankfort KY.

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%

See: Take Advantage of These 15 Commonly Missed Tax Deductions

Lafayette is a city in and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.
Lafayette is a city in and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.

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%

Read: Should Employers Require Workers To Take Time Off?

South Portland, Maine, USA with the Portland Breakwater Light at dawn.
South Portland, Maine, USA with the Portland Breakwater Light at dawn.

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%

Check Out: Companies That Let You Work From Anywhere

Colorful row houses along a sunny residential street.
Colorful row houses along a sunny residential street.

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%

More: Craziest Things That Kill Your Home’s Value

Boston, Massachusetts, at the USA Old State House and cityscape at dawn.
Boston, Massachusetts, at the USA Old State House and cityscape at dawn.

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%

See: 40 Legit Companies That Will Pay You To Work From Home

View of fishtown in Leland, Michigan at sunset.
View of fishtown in Leland, Michigan at sunset.

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%

Find Out: High-Paying Jobs at Apple, Facebook and Google That Don’t Require a Degree

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 2020 - "HOPE" is Spelled Using Illuminated Hotel Windows in Quiet Downtown Minneapolis While Corona Virus Stay at Home Orders are in Place.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 2020 - "HOPE" is Spelled Using Illuminated Hotel Windows in Quiet Downtown Minneapolis While Corona Virus Stay at Home Orders are in Place.

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%

Read: Highest-Paying Work-From-Home Jobs

Mississippi River bridge, at Vicksburg, MS.
Mississippi River bridge, at Vicksburg, MS.

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%

Be Ready: Smart Ways You Can Prepare For Job Loss While You’re Still Employed

Downtown St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Downtown St Louis, Missouri, USA.

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%

Read: Coronavirus Has Made These 100+ Brands More Valuable Than Ever

One of a series of 5 waterfalls that cascade over hydroelectric dams along the upper Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana.
One of a series of 5 waterfalls that cascade over hydroelectric dams along the upper Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana.

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%

Find Out: What Actually Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes

Columbus Nebraska
Columbus Nebraska

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%

See: How Major Tech Companies Change the Cities They Moved To

Las Vegas, USA - January 3, 2018 : Binion's Gambling Hall on Fremont Street with many neon lights and tourists.
Las Vegas, USA - January 3, 2018 : Binion's Gambling Hall on Fremont Street with many neon lights and tourists.

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%

Keep Reading: Enron and the 24 Other Most Epic Corporate Downfalls of All Time

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.

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%

More: Industries Set To Bounce Back in 2021

Ocean City, NJ, USA - September 1, 2013: Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey.
Ocean City, NJ, USA - September 1, 2013: Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey.

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%

See: The Most-Loved Company in Every State

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape and street at twilight.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape and street at twilight.

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%

Read More: 8 Successful Companies That Were IPO Flops

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%

Read: US Adds Jobs in January, But There’s Still Risk of a ‘Double-Dip Recession’

Birds Flying Over Pier Topsail Island Beach Jacksonville, NC.
Birds Flying Over Pier Topsail Island Beach Jacksonville, NC.

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%

Check Out: Fox News and 25 More Companies That Faced Public Backlash

Fargo, North Dakota / USA - June 27 2017: Theater and Street View in Summer.
Fargo, North Dakota / USA - June 27 2017: Theater and Street View in Summer.

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%

Dayton Ohio skyline
Dayton Ohio skyline

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%

See: The Biggest Salary Negotiation Mistakes You’re Making

Antiques and Collectibles store in the village of Jenks in Oklahoma - JENKS - OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 24, 2017 photography.
Antiques and Collectibles store in the village of Jenks in Oklahoma - JENKS - OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 24, 2017 photography.

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%

See: The 50 Best Companies for Working Moms

St Johns Bridge over the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon with Mt St Helens and Mt Adams in the background.
St Johns Bridge over the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon with Mt St Helens and Mt Adams in the background.

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%

Read More: Beware These 18 Industries and Companies Selling Your Information

Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA - May 19, 2020: Employee puts groceries in customers car at Weis Markets curb side pick-up.
Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA - May 19, 2020: Employee puts groceries in customers car at Weis Markets curb side pick-up.

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%

More: 24 Ways To Stretch Your Unemployment Benefits

Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport, Rhode Island.

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%

Check Out: The Upper Class Has Taken Over These 50 Cities

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.

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%

Find Out: How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America’s 50 Largest Cities

Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 3, 2019: Daytime view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 3, 2019: Daytime view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.

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%

Find Out: These Cities Have the Most People Moving In During the Pandemic

Memphis, Tennessee: January January 8, 2020: Stores and entertainment on the world famous Beale Street in the city of Memphis.
Memphis, Tennessee: January January 8, 2020: Stores and entertainment on the world famous Beale Street in the city of Memphis.

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%

See: In Less Than a Decade, You Won’t Be Able To Afford a Home in These Cities

Odessa, Texas, USA - April 17, 2018: Daytime view of the city owned historic Ector Theatre along North Texas Street in downtown Odessa.
Odessa, Texas, USA - April 17, 2018: Daytime view of the city owned historic Ector Theatre along North Texas Street in downtown Odessa.

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%

Check Out: 35 Surprising Cities With Low Costs of Living

A chair lift brings skiers to top of ski slopes of Deer Valley Ski Resort, near Park City and The Canyons.
A chair lift brings skiers to top of ski slopes of Deer Valley Ski Resort, near Park City and The Canyons.

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%

Read: Why You Should Start on This Year’s Taxes Sooner Than Later

Drone shot of Middlebury College in Vermont.
Drone shot of Middlebury College in Vermont.

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%

Important: 50 Best Cities for Job Seekers Over 50

Nice Apartments in Virginia Beach near town center.
Nice Apartments in Virginia Beach near town center.

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%

Options: The Best and Worst Cities To Own Investment Property

"Spokane, United States - July 21, 2012: People mill around outside the 1909 Looff Carousel, which is seen along the Spokane River with the downtown district of Spokane in the distance.
"Spokane, United States - July 21, 2012: People mill around outside the 1909 Looff Carousel, which is seen along the Spokane River with the downtown district of Spokane in the distance.

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

Large boat going under the suspension bridge at Wheeling, West Virginia.
Large boat going under the suspension bridge at Wheeling, West Virginia.

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%

See: These Are the 50 Best Cities for Renters

Madison, WI, USA - July 20, 2014: The beautiful entrance to the agriculture building at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Campus.
Madison, WI, USA - July 20, 2014: The beautiful entrance to the agriculture building at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Campus.

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

Subject: Mountain biking in the Grand Teton National Park of USA.
Subject: Mountain biking in the Grand Teton National Park of USA.

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%

Discover: 25 Tried-and-True Jobs That Will Last Through Any Recession

Business man review his resume on his desk, laptop computer, calculator and cup of coffee,Seleted focus.
Business man review his resume on his desk, laptop computer, calculator and cup of coffee,Seleted focus.

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.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The COVID-19 Unemployment Story in Your State