Associated Press (06/21/13)

The U.S. Department of Labor reported declining unemployment rates in half of the states in May, while unemployment rates climbed in 17 states and held steady in eight states. By region, the unemployment rate slipped to 7.5% from 7.6% in the Northeast and to 7.8% from 8% in the West, held at 7.2% in the Midwest, and climbed to 7.2% from 7.1% in the South. The decreases can be attributed to steady hiring, with 33 states adding jobs in May.

The biggest declines in unemployment rates were recorded by California, which dropped to 8.6% from 9%, and West Virginia, which slipped to 6.2% from 6.6%. The highest unemployment rate of 9.5% was recorded in Nevada, while the lowest rate of 3.2% was recorded in North Dakota.