Labor Force Participation Rates for Selected States as of September 2023

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) is the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking work. It is a key indicator of the health of the economy and can be used to track trends in employment and unemployment.

The data shows that the LFPR increased in most states in the past year. The largest increases were seen in Michigan (3.01%), Virginia (2.93%), and New York (2.33%). These increases may be due to a number of factors, such as a strong economy, low unemployment rates, and an aging population.

However, the LFPR declined in some states. The largest declines were seen in New Hampshire (-2.42%), Connecticut (-1.38%), and Idaho (-0.95%). These declines may be due to a number of factors, such as an aging population, retirements, and a lack of affordable childcare.

Overall, the data shows that the LFPR is increasing in most states. This is a positive sign for the economy and suggests that more people are either working or actively seeking work. However, the declines in some states are concerning and may indicate that there are still challenges in the labor market.

It is important to note that the LFPR can be affected by a number of factors, such as the age of the population, the availability of jobs, and the cost of childcare. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when interpreting changes in the LFPR.