Unemployment up in 23 States

23 states saw an increase in their jobless rate last month. 43 states lost jobs in September while only 7 states saw an increase. Because the unemployment rate does not count long term unemployed who have stopped looking for work, several states lost jobs but saw a drop in the unemployment figures anyway.

Nevada and Florida, which have been hit particularly hard by the recession, posted unemployment rates not seen since the mid 1970’s. 15 states plus Washington DC had rates over 10% with Michigan the highest at 15.3% followed by Nevada at 13.3%.

The high rates in Florida and Nevada are being blamed on the still slumping housing market. Nevada lost another 3500 construction jobs in September.