Another State Hits Double-Digit Unemployment Rate

A new partner in joblessness

Eight states now have now received the dubious honor of having unemployment rates higher than 10 percent. The newest addition to the family is Indiana. The state hit 10 percent in March, up from 9.4 percent in February.

Oregon’s unemployment rate saw the biggest jump, going up 1.4 percent to 12.1 percent, the second-highest unemployment in the United States. Michigan still leads the nation in unemployment with 12.6 percent. Bloomberg.com reports this is the worst employment slump in the post-war era. Luckily for unemployed homeowners, mortgage loan modification can help them keep their homes.

More big jumps

Unemployment in Washington state jumped almost a full percentage point in March to 9.2 percent. West Virginia also saw a 0.9 percent jump in unemployment, putting it at 6.2 percent.

Though West Virginia’s rate took a big jump, its overall unemployment rate is still well below the national average, which went up to 8.5 percent from 8.2 percent. That’s the highest it’s been in 25 years.

More double-digit states

Along with Indiana, Michigan and Oregon, the following states have unemployment rates higher than 10 percent:

• South Carolina, 11.4
• California, 11.2
• North Carolina, 10.8
• Rhode Island, 10.5
• Nevada, 10.4

Forty-six states registered an increase in unemployment in March. Three states held steady, and the District of Columbia and North Dakota posted a drops, according to the labor department. Payroll employment dropped in March in 48 states and D.C. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Another State Hits Double-Digit Unemployment Rate"