News

Maine unemployment remains low, hasn’t exceeded 4% in years

Maine unemployment remains low, hasn’t exceeded 4% in years

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine labor officials say the unemployment rate in the state continues to hold steady, and has ranged between 3.2% and 3.5% over the past two years.

The Maine Department of Labor says the preliminary unemployment rate for June was 3.2%. The department says unemployment in the state has been less than 4% for 42 consecutive months, which is the longest such period on record.

This stretch of low unemployment is almost twice as long as the last one. The state experienced a 22-month stretch of unemployment below 4% that ended in June 2001.

Unemployment has also held steady nationally, as the U.S. rate of 3.7% for June was close to the 3.6% for May and the 4% rate from June 2018. New England’s six-state estimate is 3.1%.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Fresh

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

1 day ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

1 day ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

2 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

2 days ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.