Unemployment By State In October (MAP)

Unemployment rates are up from this time last year in all 50 states, but recently the situation improved somewhat -- employment increased in 28 states from September to October, the government announced on Friday.

In six states, there were statistically significant gains -- including Michigan, which still has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 15.1 percent (down from 15.3 percent in September).

The overall picture is still bad -- here's a chart from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics with the breakdown:

For a larger version, click here (it will open in a new window).

Click here for the state-by-state unemployment report from the BLS. And click here to see some of HuffPost's stories on people dealing with unemployment and its consequences.

HuffPost readers: Got an unemployment story? Losing your health insurance? Bank kicking you while you're down? Email [e-mail].

Comments

[Washington Kos]

Another big rally for stocks as the rich get richer. Great recovery, huh? Unless wall street recovers first there can be no recovery for anyone else . That seems to be the Geithner/Summer/Obammi mantra.

good articles: http://financeopinionss.blogspot.com

the economy & stock market is a joke. Obama let everyone down except the usual water carriers & top 1% of earners. Saying home 2010 & 2012

[mrJJ]

The Geography of a GOP Led Recession

Beginning from 2007

http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html

[Levonsky]

The depression, the outsourcing of jobs, all done in an effort to devalue labor.
When looked at from this angle it all makes sense.
The top 1% were tired of paying high wages to Americans.
Cut labor costs, pocket the profit.

[DuganS1]

We're in a depression not because of job outsourcing, but because Americans spent too much and took on too much debt. The US was in an almost continual boom from 1991 to early 2008. REal median household income hit a new high in 2007. The big problem was that the easy lending standards of this decade came home to roost as household found themselves at the end of their rope with debt.

[Levonsky]

yes, because of debt. Because real wages have not kept up with the real cost of living. Because wages have been flat for the majority of working Americans. Because Americans have had to compete with cheaper labor in other countries.

[duze]

Two sources that the Obama Administration may be viewing as a way to open up employment for millions is the healthcare documentation. Surely if the bill gets past the greedy and self important Repugs things will have to change. Many jobs will be created to get, keep and manage the HealthCare information that will be generated by the passage of this bill. Also look at the states. For the next twenty years, (I don't care where you live) land revitalization will be taking place. New construction will reach an all time high. New City's will be built by way of government as well as private construction firms. This industry will needs thousands of employees. As the economy recovers (and it will), employability will spur the needs for the sciencde of neutrition to improve. There will be a massive need for green jobs to be created not only for energy purposes but also, demand for food products. The jobs will come back, but only by way of some very inventive, constructive thinking. What exactly do you think the Obama Administration is working on.

[Furby2]

Don't forget that the health care bill will not necessarily be netting new jobs. A lot of displaced insurance company claims adjusters (a.k.a. claims deniers) will be let go by the private sector due to redundancy and will be rehired by the government. I'm sure they'll be much happier with their new employer, not having to deny all those legitimate claims like they did under the corporate boss.

[DuganS1]

Cities were built and/or rebuilt in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. New construction won't come anywhere close to new all time highs over the next decade. Construction will probably remain at very low levels for years, no matter what the govt does.

[Washington Kos]

It is time for middle class bailout. NO more stupid rebate gimmicks. No more more neoconservative politics. We need more jobs even if these jobs create an economic net loss.

rec. reading: http://financeopinionss.blogspot.com

I'm tired of this over emphasis on efficiency; the last thing that gonna be on policy maker's mind is efficacy when 60+ million unemployment American says they aren;t gonna take it any more.

[jasonfebery]

Illinois has been hit hard so far. Unemployment above 10%. Ouch.

http://jasonfebery.wordpress.com/

[graffitijoe]

Don't worry Gitmo north will be opening in about 60 days according to BO.

[duze]

What was the unemployment rate on january 20, 09' place the blame where it belongs.

[Lorianne]

Valero shuts another oil refinery (Delaware)

Kiss another 550 jobs goodbye ... plus all the businesses those people, formerly with jobs, supported.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8371649.stm

[MIKEBC]

This news is the result of the failures of the Bush administration, the financial meltdown started over a year ago under Bush and the GOP's watch, Barack wasn't president yet, we are now in the economic ditch the previous administration drove us into!

[graffitijoe]

I guess all these people out of work can just enjoy the fact that it's Bushs' fault and that the current president has nothing to do with the economy because he's just a helpless victim with no power to "Change" anything. That's what we voted for? Maybe they can eat that too, right?

[RJII]

I'm one of those folks who knows exactly who's leadership got us in this mess by squandering a good thing. In one year, Obama has managed to help this country avoid total economic collapse destined by Bush Admin. Obama has put health care reform finally in the fore front for a vote after many decades. Rome wasn't built perfect, nor built in a day.

We are going to suffer for our greed, arrogance in the middle east and around the world. We wasted many opportunities under a mean d umb torturous greedy bush admin. Now we've got our work cut out.

I have seen 15 yrs of savings gobbled up due to illness and inability to find work. I now understand "have not". But, I never expected Obama to wave a magic wand and make so much mess go away easily. We are the change so desperately needed. The last nine years will be a hard lesson for us .

[ChrisDWard]

The fact that his efforts at bipartisanship have been snubbed and obfuscated since day surely contributes to the quagmire that is Washington. His foes are only interested in scoring political points and not the average American citizen. This mess wasn't created in a year, and it won't be fixed in a year. And if it was a Republican in office, it wouldn't be any different. They had eight years and look where that brought us.

[ChrisDWard]

Do you honestly believe a President from either party, can correct the ills of this country in one year? Does he have a magic wand? I can't think of anything significant the Republicans have done in the past year but divide the country, instill fear in the elderly, and equate Obama to a Nazi. Sure makes me want to join the GOP.

[xlntcat]

The president has taken steps to change things. If he hadn't virtually all economists agree that unemployment would now be over 12%. What he is incapable to changing is the immaturity of those demanding instant gratification when it simply isn't a possibility. When unemployment hit 10.8% under Reagan in 1982, three years later it remained over 7%. Employment is directly related to sustained economic growth. So far we have been on target for all of the WH predictions other than being able to retain unemployment at 8% which at the time would have been predicted by any president or any economic team because no one, I repeat, no one knew how deep the down turn would be. You need to consider growing up. We need adults who are willing to work to turn this around, not whining 2 year olds.

[Mildmannered]

You are correct.

The Bush administration economic watch dogs, e.g., SEC chair Cox, were either ignorant or asleep at the switch.

[duze]

Or used the situation to their advantage. SOmething about Cox doesn't sit well with me either.

[Tinsdale]

Once the old Admiral is no longer in command, the new Admiral must take responsiblity for the fleet.

[Furby2]

unless of course, the old Admiral has sunk the ship, in which case the new Admiral can be forgiven for having a little trouble getting things going in a rubber dinghy with no oars.

[Flavor]

President Obama, I am one who has not waivered in my choice of voting for you, and if I had to do it all over again I would run to the voting booth & push the lever for Barack Obama. You, have demonstrated to me & my family patience and true leadership, and I wish success unto you, as you sit as our Commander & Chief. We have not had (one), president that did all that was right, no not one. In fact, many of them made oodles of mistakes, considering what was left to you to deal with & try to accomplish as you sit as our President, my husband's hat comes off to you. I am in no ways apologizing for voting for you, and I do know change had/has come. The people spoke loud and clear and they are differencemakers, we were tired of being toreup from the floorup and in need of a checkup from the neckup. I see change, although it may be slow it is happening. Thank You!

[graffitijoe]

This is ceepily like a profession of faith ...or a prayer ...to Obama.

[duze]

So you say.

[Flavor]

Don't go there with me because i'll take you where you want to go, there is only one that i pray to, and I look to the hills from where all of my help come from, only one. But I am required to pray for all those in authority, even those I did not vote for.

[xlntcat]

Fanned. I never even one time believed that Obama had a magic wand or that he could accomplish every thing in less than a year. What has surprised me has been the fact that so many are so immature that they thought that a president can do much of anything without support. No president is history has been able to do that so what cause this false thinking process. I appreciate the president work ethic as well as his integrity but I am disappointed in the American people. We thought we were better than this.

[FlyOnTheWall45]

Something must be done about the healthy economy in North Dakota. Maybe we should fill their windy fields up with wind farms to power New York City and LA, that would sure annoy them. Oh no, it would make them rich, wouldn't it? Nevermind.

[RJII]

lol.

[CaptainHowdy2]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

[wealthandriches]

Bring our boys back home and will will save Billions from that alone. It's time Iraq ran it's own Country.
Then, let's limit medical lawsuits to a reasonable amount then that will also bring down health care costs.
After that lets credit companies for bringing back our jobs from overseas after making the majority of Unions illegal, thus bringing down wages to what is fair instead of inflated and thus making our products prices lower and unemployment a thing of the past.
Then we can reduce our debt as a Nation.

[CaptainHowdy2]

"I will promise you this, that if we have not gotten our troops out by the time I am president, it is the first thing I will do. I will get our troops home. We will bring an end to this war. You can take that to the bank. "
- Barack Obama Campaign Promise - October 27, 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LsSppYxSHk

[Flavor]

Since your reply button was off, I wanted to respond back to you, I don't make excuses for anyone not even you. President Obama, I would vote for again and never, ever will I apologize for doing so, not ever. He is the man for the job and has proven to me and my family that he is, because he don't jump high because some want him to proves to me I made the right choice.

[lillibelle]

It is very disheartening, to say the very least.

[xlntcat]

Obama never ever promised to bring out troops home irresponsibly. He campaigned on a withdrawal in Iraq (which he was referring to in the clip) in 16 months but prior to taking office, agreement was drawn up between the U S and Irap for a withdrawal in what amounted to 18 months following Obama taking office. We need to keep out commitments but we are, in fact, ahead of schedule with withdrawal. Obama promised to follow Bin Ladin to cave he lives in. He never promised to withdraw from Afghanistan prematurely. Everyone forgets that prior to taking office, a candidate speaks from the data available to him. Upon taking office, he discovers that things may not be the way he perceived them to be previously. Any leader, executive, of adult who cannot adjust to the reality of the moment is doomed to fail.

[graffitijoe]

Uh ...isn't that what got this guy elected in the first place. I mean Obama ran on a "bring the boys (and girls) home" theme. Sure worked out well, didn't it!

[Mildmannered]

I think it was bring the boys home from Iraq (he didn't say bring them home from Afghanistan)

[xlntcat]

Obama ran on getting out of Iraq. He did not run on bring the boys and girls home. You payed very little attention if you believe that is true.

[RJII]

$1 million per troop, per year. BRING THEM HOME. We can't afford to play pretend occupier anymore.

[steppenwolfsayshi]

Ending the war would save billions of dollars, but why would that lower employment? The military industrial complex is a huge employer. It's other merits are questionable, but as an engine of economic growth, its pretty good. The entire point of stimulus spending is to try to attempt to create the same sort of growth created by war. Just think about it.

[Zelyony1750]

Let us bring the troops out of the Middle East, and set up a WPA work program for the troops and for our domestic programs. There is plent of work for us to do right here at home. Roads and bridges and the schools are crumbling while we runn off to some foreign land and fix it up! that is just crazy!
As long as we are in Afghanistan, the Afghanistani people will see us as the "invader". If Afghanistani soldiers were here on American soil, we would feel the same and we would be trying to kick them out too.
In the end, it is the Afghanisti people who have to fix up their own country. If we were there in the capacity as helpers such as the Habitat for Humanity , then things would be different; but our presence there with guns...well, that is the wrong way to go.
Peace!

[duze]

Obma decision on Afganistan will not be a good one as far as the average citizen is concerned. What we have to realize is that if Afganistan is allowed to flourish, we will have quadrupled the problems this country has now. The terriorist training that presently exists in Afganistan will spread widely throughout the region. it will spread to adjoining countries which will only lead to a force being garned against America that could easily completely destroy this country. No Afganistan is not a small threat to this country, it is a major threat. Your right we absolutely need the dollars that are being spent to maintain occupation in Afganistan, however, we will spend much more (by way of lives as we know them) if we allow Afganistan to gather their forces along with neighboring countries who would become enemies of the United States. What we see now by nature of terrorism will escalate 100,000 fold if we don't contain than destroy any image they have of controlling America.

[fishskicanoe]

Wisconsin's unemployment rate for October is 7.6%. The map is wrong.

[Winston120]

Obama is delusional. He declares all of his major programs and policies as "working".

He declares his trip to China a victory yet left and right can't see anything tangible.

He declares the 787B stimulus as a job creator, saving us from the brink, yet left or right can't see that.

Is this guy living in an alternate reality?

[senorlou]

No, he is cheerleading and trying to keep America calm. They don't want to know the truth:
1. We are catastrophically broke
2. Both wars are totally lost
3. Our banking and investment system are a joke run by corporate criminals
4. Our populace is unable to distinguish fact from fiction and keep voting wildly against their own interests.
Obama tried valiently, but the truth is, he is dealing with a population in decline in every way. We are going to look like a very different place 10 years from now, and this won't be in a good way.

[paddio]

"Our populace is unable to distinguish fact from fiction and keep voting wildly against their own interests." Great observation senorlou !! I am amazed at the stuff that comes out of peoples mouths......they blame the ACLU, Unions, Liberals,taxing the wealthy......this whole litany of stuff spoon fed especially by talk radio. They never follow the money, never look at the lessons of history.

[StacyJ]

I think you're right Senor Lou.
A hedge fund manager was on CNBC saying that he predicts there will be a new global currency . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omEJznjPWF4

[Winston120]

Oh, he is a lying cheerleader. Thanks.

[graffitijoe]

C'mon! Chin up little trooper! Whatever happened to hope and change we can believe in?

[duze]

So true but lets examine.
1. Your right, GWB allowed the financial institutions to run wild.
2. Both wars that were lied about and started by GWB
3. COrporate criminals that GWB, allowed to shirt any type of regulation
4. Perhaps you can't distinguish fact from fiction, fact is Bush caused it.
Fiction is you don't acknowledge the part of his plan that is working.
5. Fact is the Republicans, set the course for this population to decline.
They just never figured it would affect them and their families. Just like
you feel the problems will only fall on everyone else. We will look like a
very different place ten years from now. Because eight years ago, too
many people believed a liar, who had no need for anyone to suceed
other than his own kind. You remember how he phrased it in "Fahrenheit
911" " This is a gathering of the "haves and the have mores" The Bush
"Let them eat cake years" has cost this country almost everything.
Obama didn't set the stage for China to own two thirds of this country.
Loss of young lives in a war staged to make money. This is the reality
Obama inherited, from the every delusional GWB.

[Mildmannered]

What do you suggest he do, senorlou?

[Flavor]

He is not delusional. He is trying to fix a broken system, that was handed down to him by men who clearly put us in this terrible, terrible shape. He is a man who cares deeply for the people and if i had to vote for him again I would do it in a heart beat. I don't envy him at all, but me and all of my family pray for him everyday that he will be successful, as our Commander & Chief.

[Winston120]

The point is his very costly attempts are not working and he won't admit it.

He was supposed be the "change guy" that would admit failure and seek a path that would work. But he is the "same guy" that won't admit failure until he is voted out or is forced to resign.

[graffitijoe]

So, you will gladly settle for Failbama as long as his heart is in the right place

[CaptainHowdy2]

What excuses will you be making for him in 3 years when things get much, much worse for us? That he needs 4 more years to fix the problem?

Good luck with that one...

[xlntcat]

And you are expressing the cognitive reasoning of a pre=schooler. The president has been honest about the programs that have worked and those that have not. Your immature belief that every day is Xmas and that you can fill a 3 trillion dollar hole with $787B represents a very poor educational background. The major programs of the administration are, in fact, working but some have not worked even as rapidly as the economist has believed that they would. Economic is an inexact science. No one ever expected Bush's multiple trips to produce anything, therefore, they were never disappointed. Maybe, you could gain a reasonable level of mature thinking if you examine your expectations and got into reality about how you had to put in both the time and effort to achieve anything. What are your solutions and how do you know they would work?

[senorlou]

So we blow hundreds of billions we don't have again into a hail mary that will hopefully save our economy. Oh brother.