Unemployment rises in 27 states, worst showing since February, as hiring remains weak

WASHINGTON – Unemployment grew in more than half of U.S. states in August, the largest number in six months, as private employers aren't hiring enough to offset the loss of census jobs.

The Labor Department says the jobless rate increased in 27 states last month. It fell in 13 and was unchanged in 10 states and Washington, D.C. That's worse than the previous month, when the rate increased in only 14 states and fell in 18. It's also the most states to see an increase since February.

Much of the decline was due to the ending of 114,000 temporary census jobs nationwide. Overall, the economy lost a net total of 54,000 positions last month and the unemployment rate ticked up to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent. Private employers added a net total of only 67,000 jobs.