The Maine Department of Labor and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released April workforce estimates for Maine that show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate estimate for April of 3.3% is little changed from March (3.4%) and April 2018 (3.3%). The number of unemployed, 23,100, is also little changed.
Maine’s unemployment rate has been below 4% for 40 consecutive months, the longest period on record.
The U.S. preliminary unemployment rate of 3.6% for April was down from 3.8% for March and 3.9% one year ago.
The New England unemployment rate estimate for April was 3.1%, with New Hampshire 2.4%, Vermont 2.2%, Massachusetts 2.9%, Rhode Island 3.7% and Connecticut 3.8%.
Unemployment was lowest in Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties (2.7%) and highest in Washington County (6.1%).
The unemployment rate was below the statewide average in all three metro areas: Portland-South Portland (2.7%), Lewiston-Auburn (3.2%) and Bangor (3.4%).
