January State-Level Employment Analysis
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 48 states and the District of Columbia in January compared to the previous month. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 504,000 in January, following a gain of 260,000 jobs in December.
On a month-over-month basis, employment data were strongest in California (+96,700 jobs), Texas (+48,600) and Florida (+30,000). Wyoming and Rhode Island lost a total of 1,100 jobs.
Year over year ending in January, 4.9 million jobs have been added, marking a more than full recovery of the labor market from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession. All the states and District of Columbia added jobs compared to a year ago. The range of job gains spanned 654,100 jobs in Texas to 3,400 jobs added in West Virginia. In percentage terms, Nevada reported the highest increase by 6%, while West Virginia had the lowest increase (0.5%) compared to a year ago.
Across the 48 states that reported construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential as well as non-residential construction — 40 states reported an increase in January compared to December, while seven lost construction sector jobs. Mississippi remained unchanged.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
The Biggest Challenges Expected by Home Builders in 2026According to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, 84% of home builders felt the most significant challenge builders faced in 2025 was high interest rates and 65% anticipate interest rates will remain a problem in 2026.
Economics | Multifamily
Feb 12, 2026
Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments WeakConfidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 45, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 74, down seven points year-over-year.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Retreat Amid Low InventoryExisting home sales fell in January to a more than two-year low after December’s strong rebound, as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter storms weighed on activity. Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wages Slow in 2025 Amid Cooling Housing ActivityWage growth for residential building workers moderated notably in 2025, reflecting a broader cooling in housing activity and construction labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both nominal and real wages remained modest during the fourth quarter, signaling a shift from the rapid post-pandemic expansion to a slower-growth phase.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Low-Rise Multifamily Shows Strength at End of 2025; Other Segments WeakEven though garden/low-rise continues to be strong, overall confidence in the market for new multifamily housing decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).