Delaware’s unemployment once again meets national average

DOVER —  Delaware’s unemployment rate has once again met the national rate, continuing its slow rise that it had started earlier this winter.

The Delaware Department of Labor reports that August saw 21,300 unemployed Delawareans, an increase of 400 people from the previous month. The First State is continuing a trend of rising unemployment, and once again, Delaware has met the national average of 4.2%.

The report issued by the Delaware Department of Labor shows that there were 483,800 people in the state who were employed last month – or 700 less than in July.

Delaware’s total labor force as of August was 505,100 or 300 less people than it was in July. The labor report is taken monthly during the calendar week that contains the 12th day. 

The labor force captures not only workers and those receiving unemployment benefits, but also those in search of work who aren’t receiving assistance. As workers stop seeking work, for a variety of reasons ranging from retirement to child care needs, they are no longer counted as being unemployed in the state.

As Delaware’s unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, it’s continued a gradual rise of 10 basis points per month since last winter. The state’s previous high was 4.1%, last seen in January until it dropped in the spring.

However, the United States has seen its rate drop by 10 basis points in the past month, from 4.3% unemployment rate in July. Neighboring states like Maryland and Pennsylvania continue to outperform Delaware, with Maryland tied for 7th place while holding its unemployment rate at 2.8% and Pennsylvania tied for 12th place with an unemployment rate of 3.4%.

South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate of 2% and Washington D.C. clocks in with the highest unemployment rate at 5.7%, followed by Nevada at 5.5%.

Delaware’s three counties saw differing rates of unemployment last month with New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties reporting rates of 4.8%, 5.6% and 3.9% respectively. Those statistics are not seasonally adjusted.

Wilmington saw its unemployment rate rise again to 7.6% in August, or 60 basis points from what it was at the previous month. Dover also hit 7.6% unemployment as well.

Leading job gains in August was the government, which added 200 jobs. Construction, manufacturing, information services and other services each added 100 jobs.

Trades and transportation reported a loss of 800 jobs last month, while leisure and hospitality lost 400 jobs. Financial services also lost 300 jobs.