2026-07-06 19:34:35 Virginia’s unemployment rate falls to 5.3%, while Maryland trends slightly upward – NEW WTOP Skip to main content

Virginia’s unemployment rate falls to 5.3%, while Maryland trends slightly upward

By Jeff Clabaugh
Unemployment rates in October were lower in 37 states, higher in eight and unchanged in five. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Tero Vesalainen)

Virginia’s unemployment rate improved significantly in October, and it gained or regained thousands of jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said Virginia’s unemployment rate last month was a seasonally-adjusted 5.3% — down from 6.2% in September. It posted a month-over-month job growth rate of 0.9%, or 34,000 jobs.

Maryland’s unemployment rate rose slightly, from 7.6% in September to 7.8% in October. Maryland did gain or regain 10,200 jobs, a month-over-month job growth rate of 0.4%.

Unemployment rates in October were lower in 37 states, higher in eight and unchanged in five.

Hawaii had the highest unemployment rate in October, at 14.3%, followed by Nevada, at 12.05%. Nebraska had the lowest state unemployment rate in October, at 3.0%, followed by Vermont at 3.2%.

Should you buy a house with cash?

By U.S. News & World Report
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