The numbers are in. Job growth is back and likely to keep going strong. In a recent statement made by Michael Moskow, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, business can expect the outlook for jobs to remain strong throughout the end of the year and inflation to remain low. Now that the economy finally has its legs, the next question for recruiters is: What states and regions are experiencing the most growth? In this article we take a look at recent unemployment statistics from the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine what areas of the country have benefited the most (and least) from hiring momentum.

According to the May 2004 unemployment statistics from the US Department of Labor, the southeastern and western states are leading the nation in low unemployment levels and job creation. Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina are among the nation's star performers in job growth. Unemployment rates in these states declined over 18% in the past year and now hover around 4%. Washington State, once the state with the highest unemployment numbers in the country, went from 7.7% to 6.3% unemployment in the past year; an 18.2% improvement. Click here to view a state and regional breakdown of US unemployment statistics.

Areas of the country ranking in the middle in job growth are the northeastern and southwestern states. Maine, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas are strong performers, each logging 14%+ reductions in unemployment between May 2003 and May 2004. New York State created among the fewest jobs in the northeast and nationally, with a 7.9% reduction in unemployment in the last year. Unemployment in New York is currently at 5.8%. Massachusetts faired somewhat better with a 10.9% reduction in unemployment in the last year. Unemployment in Massachusetts is currently at 5.2%. Click here to view a state and regional breakdown of US unemployment statistics.

The region lagging most in job growth -- but still improving -- is the midwest. Unemployment rates in this region improved an overall 7.1% in the last twelve months. Job growth in Illinois moved from 6.6% to 6.4%, a modest 3% improvement. Indiana experienced no change in hiring momentum, remaining at a steady 5.1% unemployment rate. Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio all logged moderate growth. Unemployment in these states dropped between 9% and 11% between May 2003 and May 2004. North Dakota was the job creation leader in the Midwest overall, with unemployment moving down 20%. The unemployment rate in North Dakota is currently among the lowest rates in the nation at 3.2%. Click here to view a state and regional breakdown of US unemployment statistics.

What are the hot industries driving these numbers? Across the nation, financial services, professional and business services, and health care and education are the hot growth sectors. For additional information on US economic performance, including job growth stats by industry, visit the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics' website: http://www.bls.gov.

To view a complete break down of current US unemployment rates, click here.

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Visit the Special Reports archive to read previous articles. Watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.