Workforce conditions remained tight throughout much of Maine in April with very low unemployment, particularly in the southwest portion of the state.

Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Data

Household Survey Estimates – The preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.0 percent for April was unchanged from March, remaining the lowest on record since the current estimation methodology was implemented in 1976. It was down from 3.8 percent one year ago. The number of unemployed was down 5,000 over the year to 21,000. The unemployment rate has been below 4 percent for the last seven months and 15 of the last 18.

The U.S. preliminary unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in April was little changed from 4.5 percent in March and down from 5.0 percent one year ago. The New England unemployment rate averaged 3.9 percent.

April unemployment rate estimates for other states in the region were 2.8 percent in New Hampshire, 3.1 percent in Vermont, 3.9 percent in Massachusetts, 4.3 percent in Rhode Island, and 4.9 percent in Connecticut.

The employment to population ratio estimate of 62.1 percent remained above the U.S. average of 60.2 percent.

Payroll Survey Estimates – The preliminary nonfarm payroll jobs estimate of 621,900 for April was up 3,900 from one year ago. The largest job gains were in the healthcare and construction sectors.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Substate Data

The not seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate estimate of 3.4 percent for April was down from 4.0 percent one year ago. Rates declined over the year in all counties. The lowest rate was 2.4 percent in Cumberland County and the highest was 6.4 percent in Washington County.

Unemployment rates were lower than the statewide average in all three metro areas: Portland-South Portland (2.5 percent), Lewiston-Auburn (3.0 percent), and Bangor (3.3 percent).

May estimates will be released on Friday, June 16.