By and large, though, any employment growth states experienced in recent months has been meager.
The U.S. Labor Department published updated jobs data Friday with preliminary figures through October, showing only just over half of states (29) have recorded year-over-year employment growth considered to be statistically significant.
Last month, 15 states added a statistically-significant number of jobs, led by Florida (+44,600), California (+39,800) and North Carolina (+22,200). Three other states – Kentucky, Washington and South Dakota – had declines.
Governing compiled monthly employment data for each state, comparing December 2012 estimates to the most recent preliminary figures for October. In terms of raw totals, the following 10 states have seen payrolls expand the most this year:
- Texas: 208,000 (+1.9%)
- California: 181,500 (+1.2%)
- Florida: 166,800: (+2.2%)
- New York: 84,300 (+1%)
- Michigan: 72,600 (+1.8%)
- Georgia: 71,800 (+1.8%)
- North Carolina: 54,700 (+1.4%)
- Illinois: 52,900 (+0.9%)
- Washington: 51,000 (+1.8%)
- Massachusetts: 39,800 (+1.2%)
By percentage change, though, only North Dakota, Florida and Idaho have experienced job growth exceeding 2 percent. In nearly half of states (23), job growth for 2013 has yet to top 1 percent.
The following map shows percentage change in total nonfarm employment since December 2012, with the best-performing states shaded in dark green. Click a state to display its employment estimates and current jobless rate.