The U.S. job market continues to show signs of steady improvement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 states reported a statistically significant reduction in unemployment in February 2022, and no states reported an increase.
Falling unemployment monthly unemployment in much of the country is the continuation of a longer term trend. In every state, the unemployment rate is lower now than it was the same time last year, by anywhere from 0.5 to 4.7 percentage points. These improvements are attributable in large part to job gains. It is important to note, however, that other factors, including a surge in early retirements are also contributing to lower jobless rates. Here is a look at the state where the most people are quitting their jobs.
Using data from the BLS, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the February 2022 unemployment rate in each state. Depending on the state, monthly jobless rates range from 5.6% down to 2.1%. For context, the national unemployment rate stands at 3.8%.
For all but a handful of states, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed unemployment rates to all-time highs. For many of these states, economic fallout from the pandemic hit at a time when joblessness stood at historic lows.
Now, in most states, the unemployment rate is either at, or within a single percentage point, of its lowest level since the data series began in 1976. Here is a look at the states where job openings are surging.
Click here to see the states with the highest unemployment last month
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
Alabama
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.0% (14th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.8 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 14.9% (Jan. 1983)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.9% (Sept. 2019)
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Alaska
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.4% (3rd highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.9% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 5.2% (Mar. 2020)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
Arizona
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.6% (22nd lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.4 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 13.9% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.5% (Aug. 2007)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
Arkansas
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.1% (15th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.7 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 10.1% (Mar. 1983)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.1% (Feb. 2022)
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California
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.4% (3rd highest)
> 1-month change: -0.3 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -3.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.1% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 4.0% (Mar. 2020)
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
Colorado
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.0% (23rd highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.8% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.4% (May 2017)
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Connecticut
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.9% (8th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.4 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.3 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.4% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.0% (Aug. 2000)
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Delaware
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.6% (14th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.1 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 13.3% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.8% (May 1988)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
Florida
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.3% (18th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.3 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 13.9% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.4% (June 2006)
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Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
Georgia
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.2% (16th lowest)
> 1-month change: None
> 1-yr. change: -1.4 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.3% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.2% (Feb. 2022)
Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
Hawaii
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.3% (18th highest)
> 1-month change: None
> 1-yr. change: -3.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 22.4% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 1.9% (Nov. 2019)
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Idaho
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.8% (10th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.8% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.8% (Feb. 2022)
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Source: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography / E+ via Getty Images
Illinois
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.8% (9th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.1 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 17.4% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.6% (Dec. 2019)
Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Indiana
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.3% (3rd lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.8% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.3% (Feb. 2022)
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Source: dustin77a / iStock via Getty Images
Iowa
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.5% (20th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.9 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 10.5% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.4% (July 2018)
Source: eyecrave / E+ via Getty Images
Kansas
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.5% (4th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.1 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.5% (Feb. 2022)
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
Kentucky
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.2% (20th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.5 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.5% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 4.0% (Jan. 2020)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
Louisiana
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.3% (18th highest)
> 1-month change: None
> 1-yr. change: -2.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 13.5% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.9% (Nov. 2007)
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
Maine
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.0% (23rd highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 9.2% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.6% (June 2019)
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
Maryland
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.0% (6th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.4 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.7 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 9.5% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.1% (May 2019)
Source: ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
Massachusetts
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.7% (12th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 17.1% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.7% (Nov. 2000)
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Michigan
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.7% (12th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 22.7% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.2% (Feb. 2000)
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Source: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography / E+ via Getty Images
Minnesota
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.7% (8th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 10.8% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.5% (Mar. 1999)
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
Mississippi
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.5% (15th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 15.4% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 4.5% (Feb. 2022)
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Missouri
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.7% (23rd lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.9% (July 2019)
Source: leezsnow / iStock via Getty Images
Montana
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.6% (5th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.1 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.6% (Feb. 2022)
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Nebraska
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.1% (the lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 8.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.1% (Feb. 2022)
Source: LPETTET / iStock via Getty Images
Nevada
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.1% (5th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -4.7 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 28.5% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.7% (Aug. 2019)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
New Hampshire
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.7% (8th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.3 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.1% (June 1987)
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New Jersey
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.6% (14th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.5 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 15.8% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.2% (June 2019)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
New Mexico
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.6% (the highest)
> 1-month change: -0.3 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.7 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 10.5% (Mar. 1983)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.5% (Sept. 2007)
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New York
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.9% (8th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.4 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -3.5 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.5% (May 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.7% (June 2019)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
North Carolina
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.7% (23rd lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.7 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 14.2% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.1% (Mar. 1999)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
North Dakota
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.9% (11th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 8.3% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.0% (Dec. 2019)
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Ohio
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.2% (20th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.4% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.8% (Mar. 2001)
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
Oklahoma
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.6% (5th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.6% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.6% (Feb. 2022)
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Oregon
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.0% (23rd highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 13.3% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.4% (Feb. 2020)
Source: benedek / E+ via Getty Images
Pennsylvania
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 5.1% (5th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.3 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.5% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 4.1% (Apr. 2000)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
Rhode Island
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.9% (25th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.3 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -2.2 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 18.4% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.7% (May 1988)
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South Carolina
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.5% (20th lowest)
> 1-month change: None
> 1-yr. change: -0.9 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.1% (Dec. 2009)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.4% (Sept. 2019)
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
South Dakota
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.6% (5th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -0.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 8.8% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.4% (Apr. 2000)
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Tennessee
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.4% (19th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.6 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 15.9% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.3% (Aug. 2019)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
Texas
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.7% (12th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.9 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 12.6% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.4% (Jan. 2020)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
Utah
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.1% (the lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 10.0% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.1% (Feb. 2022)
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Vermont
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.9% (11th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.0 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 14.3% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.1% (May 2019)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
Virginia
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.2% (16th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.4 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 11.6% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.1% (Nov. 2000)
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Washington
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 4.3% (18th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.8 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 16.8% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.9% (Feb. 2020)
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
West Virginia
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.9% (25th highest)
> 1-month change: -0.2 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.9 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 18.4% (Mar. 1983)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 3.9% (Feb. 2022)
Source: benkrut / iStock via Getty Images
Wisconsin
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 2.9% (11th lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.5 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 14.1% (Apr. 2020)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.9% (Feb. 2022)
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Wyoming
> Feb. 2022 unemployment rate: 3.7% (23rd lowest)
> 1-month change: -0.1 percentage points
> 1-yr. change: -1.3 percentage points
> All-time high unemployment rate: 9.1% (Jan. 1987)
> All-time low unemployment rate: 2.3% (May 1979)
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