Unemployment Statistics

Local Area Unemployment Statistics

The Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program is a cooperative effort between federal and state where they estimate the total employment and unemployment numbers for approximately 7,500 areas.

-         Census regions and divisions

-         States

-         Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan NECTAS (New England City and Town Areas)

-         Metropolitan Divisions and NECTA Divisions

-         Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Micropolitan NECTAs

-         Combined Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Combined NECTAs

-         Small Labor Market Areas

-         Counties and county equivalents

-         Cities of 25,000 population or more

-         Cities and towns in New England regardless of population

 

These estimates are the key indicators for current local economic conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor is in charge and responsible for the concepts, definitions, process, validating the data and publishing the estimated figures which will be used by State employment security agencies under BLS's agreement.

Several various customers use these estimates:

-         Federal programs use the data when they allocate to States and areas. Also when determine eligibility for unemployment assistance.

-      State and local governments use the estimates when they are planning and for budgetary purposes and to determine the need for local employment support and training services.

-      Private researchers, the media, and other individuals use the data to assess localized labor market developments and comparing across areas.

Unemployment Rates
Unemployment Compensation




The concepts and definitions underlying LAUS data are derived from the Current Population Survey (CPS). It is the household survey that is the official labor force measurement for the nation. State monthly model estimates are collected in real time to sum up to national monthly labor force estimates from the CPS. These models then will combine current and historical data from the CPS, the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program, and State unemployment insurance (UI) systems.

Also model-based are estimates for seven large areas and their respective balances of State. Estimates for the remainder of the sub-state labor market areas are generated through a building-block approach known as the "Handbook method." 




This calculation process also uses data from several different sources, including the CPS, the CES program, State UI systems, and the decennial census. And then it creates estimates that will be adjusted to the statewide measures of employment and unemployment.

 

Based on various inputs from the decennial census, annual population estimates, and current UI data, estimates are prepared using disaggregation techniques below the labor market area level.

 

 

This website is not affiliated with any state's Unemployment Office or Department.

For questions regarding your local Unemployment Benefits please go to Unemployment Phone Number for each state.