State-Level Employment Data for June

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 147,000 in June following a gain of 144,000 jobs in May. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states in June compared to the previous month, while employment decreased in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

Ohio reported the most favorable gains on a month-over-month basis, with 10,400 jobs added in June, followed by Illinois (9,400 jobs) and Georgia (9,100 jobs). Meanwhile, a total of 108,700 jobs were lost across 23 states and the District of Columbia, with Florida reporting the steepest job losses at 20,000. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest increase at 0.9%, while Rhode Island saw the biggest decline at 0.5% between May and June.

Construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential and non-residential construction — showed that 21 states reported an increase in June compared to May, while 26 states and the District of Columbia lost construction sector jobs. The three remaining states — Hawaii, Mississippi and New Hampshire — reported no change on a month-over-month basis. California reported the highest increase, adding 3,800 construction jobs, while Texas lost 4,100 jobs.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 15,000 jobs in June compared to the previous month. In percentage terms, Montana reported the highest increase at 1.9% and South Dakota reported the largest decline at 1.6%.

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president of forecasting and analysis, provides more job data in this Eye on Housing post.