Projo Biz Blog

Rhode island's unemployment rate of 12.1 percent for May puts the state in a tie for the third highest rate in the country. Highest is Michigan, at 14.1 percent, followed by Oregon at 12.4 percent, then Rhode Island and South Carolina, both at 12.1 percent.

Among the six New England states, Rhode Island's unemployment rate tops the list by a wide margin. The next highest state is Maine, at 8.3 percent, followed by Massachusetts (8.2 percent), Connecticut (8 percent), Vermont (7.3 percent) and New Hampshire (6.5 percent). Vermont's unemployment rate stayed the same between April and May, while all the other New England states experienced increases in unemployment.

In terms of national rank, Maine is 24th, Massachusetts is 28th, Connecticut is 31st, Vermont is 35th,and New Hampshire is 43rd.

Reporter's query: Did you lose your job in May?

 Tags  Michigan New England Rhode Island unemployment rate South Carolina

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