Unemployment rates drops from 12.6% in May to 6.6% in June

The state unemployment rate declined nearly by half in June compared with May, according to seasonally adjusted figures from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The 6.6% unemployment rate recorded for June in Oklahoma leaves it tied for fifth with Maine for the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.

The state recorded a 12.6% unemployment rate in May, according to season ally adjusted Labor Department figures. Oklahoma was among 42 states that saw a decline in unemployment rates from May to June.

“These figures confirm that Oklahoma is leading the way in our recovery from COVID-19,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a news release. “Innovative programs like the Oklahoma Business Relief Program, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program and others have allowed us to leverage federal CARES Act funds to support our businesses and get their employees back to work so they can support their families.”

The national unemployment rate in June was 11.1%.

The unemployment r at e has declined since April, when 14.7% of the state labor force was not employed.

In June, statewide seasonally adjusted employment increased by 56,409 persons, or 3.5%, while unemployment decreased by 113,643 persons, or 49.4% from the previous month.

While the unemployment rate has declined, so has the labor force.

The l abor f orce dropped from 1,823,007 people in May to 1,765,773 in June, a 57,234 worker decline.

Likewise, the l abor force declined by 73,451 from 1,839,224 in June 2019 to 1,765,773 in June 2020, records show.

“We appreciate the leadership and partnership of Governor Stitt and state leaders to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans while mitigating the impact of COVID- 1 9 to our economy ,” said Shelley Zumwalt, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission interim executive director. “We still have a long way to go, but it is encouraging for us to be in this position as we continue to work diligently to get Oklahomans back to work safely.”

In the region

June unemployment rates in surrounding states:

•Colorado, 10.5%

•Texas, 8.6%

•New Mexico, 8.3%

•Arkansas, 8%

•Missouri, 7.9%

•Kansas, 7.5%

Other states of note

•Massachusetts had the highest unemployment rate in June among states at 17.4%.

•Kentucky had the lowest unemployment rate at 4.3%.