The unemployment rate rose in 44 states during July, according to data released by the Labor Department Friday.
In California (10.7%), Ohio (7.2%) Utah (6%) and Hawaii (6.4%) the rate stayed the same. In Idaho, it dropped 20 basis points to 7.5%.
The second highest unemployment rate in the country Rhode Island dipped 1 bps to 10.8%. But the amount of jobs there declined 1.6% over the last year.
Unemployment fell 20 bps to 8.9% in the District of Columbia as well.
The highest increases jumped 50 bps in both Alabama (8.3%) and Alaska (7.7%).
Nevada, one of the states hardest hit by the housing downturn that began in 2007, held the highest unemployment still. It jumped 40 basis points to 12% in July. It’s the highest mark since March but still down from a high of 14% two years ago.
The national unemployment rate stayed unchanged in July at 8.3%.
