March 06, 2001 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Highest unemployment rate in 2000: Alaska

Alaska recorded the highest jobless rate, 6.6 percent, in 2000.

[Chart data—TXT]

Three other States plus the District of Columbia had annual average unemployment rates of 5.5 percent or above in 2000. The District of Columbia’s rate was 5.8 percent, and Mississippi’s rate was 5.7 percent. Both Louisiana and West Virginia had jobless rates of 5.5 percent.

Overall, 21 States and the District of Columbia posted rates above the national average of 4.0 percent in 2000. All five states in the Pacific division recorded rates above the national average.

These data are a product of the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program. To learn more, see State and Regional Unemployment, 2000 Annual Averages (USDL 01-50).