The Bureau of Labor Statistics released seasonally adjusted July employment and unemployment data by state at www.bls.gov/sae. BLS reported that once again, South and North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rates (2.9 and 3.4%). For the 12th consecutive month, Oregon and Washington the highest rates (7.3 and 7.1%). Most states showed little change from June to July, as was the case nationally. But over the past 12 months, the unemployment rate rose in 41 states and total nonfarm employment decreased in 35 states and the District of Columbia.

Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from June to July in 13 states, fell in 29 and the District of Columbia, and was unchanged (or within 100 employees of the May figure) in 8. From July 2001 to July 2002, construction employment rose in 23 states and fell in 27 and DC. The largest one-month percentage gain was in Kansas (2%); the other 12 states with gains were up by 1% or less. The heaviest losses were in Georgia (4%), Rhode Island and West Virginia (3%), Colorado, DC, and Nebraska (2%).