New Hampshire Unemployment Rate: Down To 2.5%

CONCORD, NH — The state's latest job numbers show very good news as New Hampshire's unemployment rate drops to one of the lowest in the United States.

New Hampshire Employment Security reported Tuesday that the preliminary seasonally adjusted rate for May 2021 was 2.5 percent — a decrease of 0.3 percent from April. A year ago, the rate was 13.4 percent, due to the coronavirus pandemic's impact on employers.

The state said 735,180 people were in the workforce with the seasonally adjusted, nonfarm employment was at slightly more than 657,000.

Gov. Chris Sununu said the numbers make clear the state's economy was "roaring back to life" with one of the lowest rates in New Hampshire history.

"Such low unemployment rates are no accident, but are the result of a continued effort to provide businesses with the flexibility needed to grow, while providing individuals with the incentives and resources needed to return to work," he said. "New Hampshire's economy is well-positioned to make further economic gains throughout the year that will serve to benefit communities and families across the Granite State."

Employment Security has held 21 virtual job fairs that led to more than 8,700 people landed jobs with 862 employers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the state's unemployment rate tied with Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah for lowest in the nation in April.

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