LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska regained its status last month as the state with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, according to federal data released Tuesday.
Nebraska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, compared to 4% in August. That’s less than half the national rate of 7.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. South Dakota and Vermont had the second- and third-lowest rates at 4.1% and 4.2% respectively.
Hawaii had the highest rate nationwide, at 15.1%.
Nebraska’s rate has remained low compared to other states despite the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in widespread business closures and layoffs.
The unemployment rate was slightly higher in the Omaha area, which fell to 3.8% from 4.6% in August. It was also lower in Grand Island, which had 4.1% unemployment in September compared to 4.9% in August. Lincoln’s unemployment was lower than the statewide percentage, with 3.2% last month compared to 3.8% in August.
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