Internet address:  http://stats.bls.gov/newsrels.htm
Technical information:                 USDL 98-110
   Employment         (202) 606-6559
   Unemployment             606-6392
Media contact:              606-5902   For release:  10:00 A.M. EST
                                       Friday, March 20, 1998


      REGIONAL AND STATE EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT:  FEBRUARY 1998


     Regional and state unemployment rates remained generally stable in
February.  All four regions recorded virtually no change over the month,
while 44 states registered shifts of 0.3 percentage point or less, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.
The national jobless rate was essentially unchanged at 4.6 percent.
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 40 states.
     
Regional Unemployment (Seasonally Adjusted)
     
     Among the regions, the Midwest continued to report the lowest
unemployment rate, 3.7 percent in February, while the West again had the
highest rate, 5.1 percent.  The South recorded the lowest jobless rate in
its series, 4.3 percent.  (Virtually all regional and state series begin in
1978.)  Compared with last February, the South and West both recorded
decreases of 0.8 percentage point, and the Midwest and Northeast
experienced declines of 0.6 point each.  (See table 1.)
     
     Among the nine geographic divisions, the West North Central posted the
lowest unemployment rate (3.0 percent).  Rates greater than 4.5 percent
were reported only in the Pacific (5.5 percent) and Middle Atlantic
(5.4 percent) divisions.  All three divisions in the South--the East South
Central, South Atlantic, and West South Central--recorded the lowest
jobless rates in their series.  Over the month, unemployment rates were
very stable, with no division reporting a shift of greater than 0.3
percentage point.  Compared with a year ago, unemployment rates were lower
in all divisions, with declines ranging from -0.5 to -1.2 percentage
points.  The largest decreases occurred in the East South Central division
(-1.2 points) and in New England and the West South Central divisions
(-1.0 point each).
     
State Unemployment (Seasonally Adjusted)
     
     In February, 33 states reported rates below the U.S. average, while 15
states and the District of Columbia had higher rates.  The five states with
the lowest unemployment rates were in the West North Central division,
where the weather has been unseasonably mild.  Nebraska and North Dakota
registered the lowest unemployment rates, both 1.9 percent, followed by
Minnesota (2.5 percent), Iowa and South Dakota (2.6 percent each), and New
Hampshire and Utah (2.8 percent each).  Seven other states had rates below
3.5 percent.  In February, 13 states recorded new unemployment-rate lows
for the current series.  Among the states, the highest rates were in Alaska
(6.3 percent) and New York and New Mexico (both 6.2 percent).  The
unemployment rate in the District of Columbia was 9.0 percent.  (See
table 3 and chart 1.)
     
     Unemployment rates decreased over the month in 27 states, increased in
19 states and the District of Columbia, and were unchanged in 4 states.
Louisiana experienced the largest decline (-0.8 percentage point), followed
by Kentucky, Maine, Oregon, and South Carolina (all -0.5 point).  No state
registered an increase greater than 0.3 percentage point.  The District of
Columbia's rate rose by 0.6 point.
     
     Compared with February 1997, unemployment rates were lower in 48
states, unchanged in 1 state, and higher in 1 state and the District of
Columbia.  The largest over-the-year declines occurred in Alaska (-2.0
percentage points), South Carolina (-1.9 points), Louisiana (-1.8 points),
and Connecticut and Kentucky (-1.7 points each).  Twelve other states had
decreases of at least 1.0 percentage point, and 22 additional states
reported declines of 0.5 point or more.  The only notable increase occurred
in the District of Columbia, where the rate rose by 1.3 percentage points.

Nonfarm Payroll Employment (Seasonally Adjusted)

     Nonfarm payroll employment rose in 40 states in February.  Alaska had
the highest percentage increase (1.1 percent), followed by Delaware, Maine,
Montana, Nevada, Texas, and Washington (each 0.5 percent).  The largest
numerical increases occurred in Texas (45,800), California (36,300), and
New York (15,500).  Employment gains were widespread by industry, with
construction; trade; finance, insurance, and real estate; and services each
increasing in over two-thirds of the states.  The District of Columbia
reported the largest percentage decrease (- 0.6 percent), followed by
Tennessee (- 0.2 percent).
     
     Over the year, nonfarm employment increased in 49 states.  Arizona had
the highest growth rate (4.8 percent), followed by Florida (4.0 percent).
California reported the most job growth (477,800), followed by Texas
(326,900) and Florida (254,600).  The District of Columbia (-1.5 percent)
and Hawaii (-0.7 percent) had the only decreases in employment.
     
                            __________________
     
     The Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment release for February
1998 is scheduled to be issued on April 1.  The Regional and State
Employment and Unemployment release for March 1998 is scheduled to be
issued on April 17.
Technical Note


     This release presents labor force and unemployment data for census
regions and divisions, states, the Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan
area, and New York City from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)
program (tables 1-4).  Also presented are nonfarm payroll employment
estimates by state and major industry from the Current Employment
Statistics (CES) program (tables 5 and 6).  The LAUS and CES programs are
both Federal-State cooperative endeavors.

Labor force and unemployment--from the LAUS program

     Definitions.  The labor force and unemployment data are based on the
same concepts and definitions as those used for the official national
estimates obtained from the Current Population Survey (CPS), a sample
survey of households that is conducted for the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) by the Bureau of the Census.  The labor force includes both the
employed and the unemployed.  Employed persons are those who did any work
at all for pay or profit in the survey reference week (the week including
the 12th of the month) or worked 15 hours or more without pay in a family
business or farm, plus those not working who have a job from which they
were temporarily absent, whether or not paid, for such reasons as labor-
management dispute, illness, or vacation.  Unemployed persons are those who
did not work at all (in the reference week), have actively looked for a job
(sometime in the 4-week period ending with the survey reference week), and
are currently available for work; persons on layoff expecting recall need
not be looking for work to be counted as unemployed.
     
     Method of estimation.  Effective January 1996, estimates for all
states, the District of Columbia, the Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan
area, and New York City are produced using estimating equations based on
regression techniques.  This method utilizes data from several sources,
including the CPS, the CES, and state unemployment insurance (UI) data.  A
detailed description of the estimation procedures is available from BLS
upon request.  Effective January 1998, estimates for census regions and
divisions are obtained by summing the model-based estimates for the
component states and then calculating the unemployment rate.
     
     Annual revisions.  Labor force and unemployment data shown for the
prior year reflect adjustments made at the end of each year, usually with
January estimates.  The adjusted estimates reflect updated population data
from the Bureau of the Census and any revisions in the other data sources.
In addition, data for all states,  the District of Columbia, and the two
large sub-state areas noted are adjusted annually to equal the CPS annual
averages, usually effective with January estimates.  The regional and state
data will not sum to national totals obtained from the CPS, since the
monthly state estimates are not based directly on the CPS.
     
     Seasonal adjustment.  Seasonal adjustment of state (and Los Angeles-
Long Beach and New York City) labor force levels are computed by
aggregating independently seasonally adjusted employment and unemployment
levels. Unemployment rates are then computed from these independently
adjusted levels.  Region and division levels are calculated as the sum of
the levels of the component states.  Revisions of historical data for the
most recent 5 years are usually made at the beginning of each calendar
year, usually coincident with January estimates.

Employment--from the CES program

     Definitions.  Employment data refer to persons on establishment
payrolls who receive pay for any part of the pay period which includes the
12th of the month, except for federal government employment, which
represents the number of persons who occupied positions on the last day of
the month.  Persons are counted at their place of work rather than at their
place of residence;  those appearing on more than one payroll are counted
on each payroll.  Industries are classified on the basis of their principal
product or activity in accordance with the 1987 Standard Industrial
Classification Manual.
     
     Method of estimation.  The employment data are estimated using a "link
relative" technique in which a ratio (link relative) of current-month
employment to that of the previous month is computed from a sample of
establishments reporting for both months.  The estimates of employment for
the current month are obtained by multiplying the estimates for the
previous month by these ratios.
     
     Annual revisions.  Employment estimates are adjusted annually to a
complete count of jobs, called benchmarks, derived principally from tax
reports which are submitted by employers who are covered under state
unemployment insurance (UI) laws.  The benchmark information is used to
adjust the monthly estimates between the new benchmark and the preceding
one and also to establish the level of employment for the new benchmark
month.  Thus, the benchmarking process establishes the level of employment,
and the sample is used to measure the month-to-month changes in the level
for the subsequent months.
     
     Seasonal adjustment.  Seasonally adjusted payroll employment totals
for states are computed by aggregating independently adjusted series for
major industry divisions.  Revisions of historical data for the most recent
5 years are made once a year, coincident with annual benchmark adjustments.
     
     Caution on aggregating state data.  State estimation procedures are
designed to produce accurate data for each individual state.  BLS
independently develops a national employment series; state estimates are
not forced to sum to national totals.  Because each state series is subject
to larger sampling and nonsampling errors than the national series, summing
them cumulates individual state level errors and can cause significant
distortions at an aggregate level.  Due to these statistical limitations,
BLS does not compile a "sum-of-states" employment series, and cautions
users that such a series is subject to a relatively large and volatile
error structure.

Reliability of the estimates

     The estimates presented in this release are based on sample survey and
administrative data and thus are subject to sampling and other types of
errors.  Sampling error is a measure of sampling variability--that is,
variation that occurs by chance because a sample rather than the entire
population is surveyed.  Survey data also are subject to nonsampling
errors, such as those which can be introduced into the data collection and
processing operations.  Estimates not directly derived from sample surveys
are subject to additional errors resulting from the special estimation
processes used.  The sums of individual items may not always equal the
totals shown in the same tables because of rounding.  With respect to the
LAUS program, unemployment rates are computed, in most instances, from
unrounded data rather than from data that may be displayed in the tables;
differences, however, are generally insignificant.
     
     Labor force and unemployment estimates.  Measures of sampling error,
in the form of standard errors for state annual average estimates derived
from the CPS, are available in the annual BLS bulletin,  Geographic Profile
of Employment and Unemployment.  Measures of nonsampling error for CPS data
are not available, but additional information on the subject is provided in
the BLS monthly periodical, Employment and Earnings.
     
     Employment estimates.  Measures of sampling error are not available
for state CES data, but the relatively large size of the samples maintained
by the state agencies and the annual adjustment of employment estimates to
more recent benchmark levels assure a high degree of accuracy.  Information
on recent benchmark revisions for states is available upon request.

Additional information

     More complete information on the technical procedures used to develop
these estimates and additional data appear in Employment and Earnings,
which is available by subscription for $35.00 a year from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (telephone 202-512-1800), and from the BLS Handbook of Methods,
Bulletin 2490, August 1997.
     
     Estimates of labor force and unemployment for over 270 metropolitan
areas are available in the news release, Metropolitan Area Employment and
Unemployment.  Estimates of labor force, employment, and unemployment for
all states, metropolitan areas, labor market areas, counties, cities with a
population of 25,000 or more, and other areas used in the administration of
various federal economic assistance programs are provided in the report,
Unemployment in States and Local Areas, which is available monthly in
microfiche form by subscription from the U.S. Government Printing Office
for $41.00 a year.  The order number for a subscription is 029-001-81003-2.
These data also are available from the BLS Internet
(http://stats.bls.gov/lauhome.htm).  Emloyment data from the CES program
are available at http://stats.bls.gov/790home.htm.

     Information in this release will be made available to sensory impaired
individuals upon request.  Voice phone: 202-606-7828; TDD phone:
202-606-5897; TDD message referral phone: 1-800-326-2577.
LABOR FORCE DATA                                                                                                LABOR FORCE DATA


Table 1. Civilian labor force and unemployment by census regions and divisions, seasonally adjusted1
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                        Unemployed                              
                             Civilian labor force                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
 Census region and                                                      Number                      Percent of labor force      
      division                                                                                                                  
                       Feb.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.                                                                          
                       1997     1997     1998     1998     Feb.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.     Feb.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.  
                                                           1997     1997     1998     1998     1997     1997     1998     1998  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Northeast........... 26,022.1 26,078.5 26,077.0 26,098.4  1,434.8  1,320.0  1,278.0  1,288.5    5.5      5.1      4.9      4.9  
                                                                                                                                
  New England.......  7,083.2  7,132.8  7,130.7  7,120.9    322.4    292.7    269.7    256.2    4.6      4.1      3.8      3.6  
  Middle Atlantic... 18,938.9 18,945.7 18,946.3 18,977.5  1,112.4  1,027.3  1,008.3  1,032.3    5.9      5.4      5.3      5.4  
                                                                                                                                
South............... 46,846.5 47,694.8 47,816.2 47,791.8  2,393.4  2,171.5  2,126.3  2,047.2    5.1      4.6      4.4      4.3  
                                                                                                                                
  South Atlantic.... 24,203.6 24,677.1 24,738.2 24,747.7  1,145.7  1,046.7  1,042.6  1,024.2    4.7      4.2      4.2      4.1  
  East South Central  8,024.7  8,145.8  8,144.8  8,130.1    443.3    397.5    369.1    350.3    5.5      4.9      4.5      4.3  
  West South Central 14,618.3 14,871.9 14,933.3 14,914.1    804.4    727.2    714.5    672.6    5.5      4.9      4.8      4.5  
                                                                                                                                
Midwest............. 32,804.3 33,246.3 33,363.0 33,375.9  1,398.0  1,286.6  1,246.0  1,227.2    4.3      3.9      3.7      3.7  
                                                                                                                                
  East North Central 22,744.8 23,027.2 23,113.2 23,117.6  1,016.8    959.3    930.8    917.5    4.5      4.2      4.0      4.0  
  West North Central 10,059.5 10,219.1 10,249.8 10,258.3    381.2    327.4    315.2    309.7    3.8      3.2      3.1      3.0  
                                                                                                                                
West................ 29,662.6 30,425.5 30,478.9 30,486.9  1,740.5  1,606.5  1,585.4  1,541.7    5.9      5.3      5.2      5.1  
                                                                                                                                
  Mountain..........  8,295.5  8,599.7  8,633.8  8,672.6    382.7    349.7    335.6    347.9    4.6      4.1      3.9      4.0  
  Pacific........... 21,367.1 21,825.8 21,845.1 21,814.3  1,357.8  1,256.8  1,249.8  1,193.8    6.4      5.8      5.7      5.5  

  1 These estimates are obtained by summing the state estimates.
  NOTE: The States (including the District of Columbia) that compose the various census divisions are: New England: Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont; Middle Atlantic: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; South
Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West
Virginia; East South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee; West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma,
and Texas; East North Central: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin; West North Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota; Mountain: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and
Wyoming; and Pacific: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. All estimates are provisional and will be revised when
new benchmark and population information becomes available.
LABOR FORCE DATA                                                                                                LABOR FORCE DATA


Table 2. Civilian labor force and unemployment by census regions and divisions, not seasonally adjusted1
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                        Unemployed                              
                             Civilian labor force                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                        Number                      Percent of labor force      
 Census region and                                                                                                              
      division            January           February                                                                            
                                                              January           February          January           February    
                                                                                                                                
                       1997     1998     1997     1998                                                                          
                                                           1997     1998     1997     1998     1997     1998     1997     1998  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Northeast........... 25,725.5 25,813.5 25,788.8 25,862.4  1,596.1  1,431.0  1,572.8  1,424.9    6.2      5.5      6.1      5.5  
                                                                                                                                
  New England.......  7,001.4  7,055.2  7,008.9  7,044.3    377.8    321.1    367.8    301.0    5.4      4.6      5.2      4.3  
  Middle Atlantic... 18,724.1 18,758.3 18,779.9 18,818.1  1,218.3  1,109.9  1,205.0  1,123.9    6.5      5.9      6.4      6.0  
                                                                                                                                
South............... 46,220.9 47,181.9 46,350.0 47,278.0  2,593.1  2,296.2  2,492.6  2,136.6    5.6      4.9      5.4      4.5  
                                                                                                                                
  South Atlantic.... 23,838.6 24,366.8 23,938.8 24,475.5  1,216.7  1,101.3  1,175.8  1,053.0    5.1      4.5      4.9      4.3  
  East South Central  7,919.6  8,041.8  7,945.6  8,045.5    483.4    405.0    476.7    378.6    6.1      5.0      6.0      4.7  
  West South Central 14,462.7 14,773.3 14,465.6 14,756.9    893.0    790.0    840.1    705.0    6.2      5.3      5.8      4.8  
                                                                                                                                
Midwest............. 32,362.4 32,897.7 32,401.5 32,957.2  1,654.1  1,469.6  1,577.4  1,401.4    5.1      4.5      4.9      4.3  
                                                                                                                                
  East North Central 22,414.3 22,777.1 22,463.9 22,825.7  1,183.6  1,085.7  1,147.6  1,047.3    5.3      4.8      5.1      4.6  
  West North Central  9,948.1 10,120.6  9,937.6 10,131.5    470.5    383.9    429.8    354.1    4.7      3.8      4.3      3.5  
                                                                                                                                
West................ 29,405.4 30,252.7 29,469.2 30,286.9  1,962.1  1,763.5  1,888.2  1,686.2    6.7      5.8      6.4      5.6  
                                                                                                                                
  Mountain..........  8,189.2  8,525.3  8,196.4  8,569.8    431.1    367.9    400.1    364.5    5.3      4.3      4.9      4.3  
  Pacific........... 21,216.3 21,727.4 21,272.7 21,717.1  1,531.0  1,395.6  1,488.1  1,321.8    7.2      6.4      7.0      6.1  

  1 These estimates are obtained by summing the state estimates. The composition of the regions and divisions is described in
table 1.
  NOTE: All estimates are provisional and will be revised when new benchmark and population information becomes available.
LABOR FORCE DATA                                                                                               LABOR FORCE DATA
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED                                                                                         SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

Table 3. Civilian labor force and unemployment by state and selected areas, seasonally adjusted

(Numbers in thousands)
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                           Unemployed                          
                                                                                                                               
                                  Civilian labor force                                                                         
                                                                                                                               
    State and Area                                                               Number                  Percent of labor force
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                           Feb.      Dec.      Jan.      Feb.      Feb.      Dec.      Jan.      Feb.    Feb.  Dec.  Jan.  Feb.
                           1997      1997      1998     1998p      1997      1997      1998     1998p    1997  1997  1998 1998p
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
Alabama................   2,165.4   2,154.1   2,146.3   2,140.3    111.6      99.1      89.1      81.5    5.2   4.6   4.1   3.8
Alaska.................     315.5     318.5     317.6     318.0     26.2      22.6      19.8      20.1    8.3   7.1   6.2   6.3
Arizona................   2,149.5   2,237.7   2,243.0   2,253.2    112.8      93.0      83.8      89.6    5.2   4.2   3.7   4.0
Arkansas...............   1,204.0   1,240.6   1,245.8   1,243.7     65.9      62.1      65.6      65.2    5.5   5.0   5.3   5.2
California.............  15,809.8  16,122.8  16,114.0  16,120.0  1,037.6     971.0     968.3     931.4    6.6   6.0   6.0   5.8
  Los Angeles-Long                                                                                                             
     Beach.............   4,439.3   4,567.3   4,565.6   4,569.2    319.1     300.8     278.6     264.2    7.2   6.6   6.1   5.8
Colorado...............   2,120.9   2,199.7   2,216.2   2,232.9     73.8      66.9      63.1      67.1    3.5   3.0   2.8   3.0
Connecticut............   1,720.8   1,728.2   1,720.0   1,717.0     94.5      77.5      65.3      64.9    5.5   4.5   3.8   3.8
Delaware...............     377.7     387.0     387.9     388.6     17.5      13.0      13.3      13.6    4.6   3.4   3.4   3.5
District of Columbia...     259.7     255.7     258.5     260.5     20.1      20.8      21.8      23.5    7.7   8.1   8.4   9.0
Florida................   7,005.0   7,253.6   7,265.1   7,247.5    339.1     337.7     337.8     325.2    4.8   4.7   4.7   4.5
                                                                                                                               
Georgia................   3,872.7   3,918.0   3,928.7   3,948.1    186.5     158.9     157.0     162.7    4.8   4.1   4.0   4.1
Hawaii.................     592.1     593.1     593.4     592.8     39.0      35.4      33.0      34.1    6.6   6.0   5.6   5.7
Idaho..................     627.4     641.0     640.1     641.4     33.9      33.6      32.0      32.4    5.4   5.2   5.0   5.1
Illinois...............   6,112.3   6,162.1   6,190.5   6,185.4    295.8     295.1     302.7     282.4    4.8   4.8   4.9   4.6
Indiana................   3,068.0   3,113.0   3,115.4   3,111.5    104.2     109.1     101.8     100.1    3.4   3.5   3.3   3.2
Iowa...................   1,583.6   1,581.7   1,589.9   1,593.8     56.8      46.0      44.5      41.3    3.6   2.9   2.8   2.6
Kansas.................   1,347.1   1,404.4   1,407.7   1,408.9     54.1      52.7      48.8      47.4    4.0   3.8   3.5   3.4
Kentucky...............   1,910.8   1,937.2   1,931.3   1,936.8    110.1      92.3      88.4      79.8    5.8   4.8   4.6   4.1
Louisiana..............   2,011.6   2,043.8   2,067.6   2,037.3    123.3     117.3     105.3      88.0    6.1   5.7   5.1   4.3
Maine..................     662.1     661.1     660.9     656.9     35.9      34.9      33.1      29.3    5.4   5.3   5.0   4.5
                                                                                                                               
Maryland...............   2,794.8   2,790.8   2,803.7   2,799.2    140.8     133.7     134.9     132.1    5.0   4.8   4.8   4.7
Massachusetts..........   3,242.2   3,254.5   3,258.8   3,257.2    130.5     124.3     116.9     107.9    4.0   3.8   3.6   3.3
Michigan...............   4,970.8   5,013.0   5,047.2   5,050.6    222.9     197.3     197.7     202.7    4.5   3.9   3.9   4.0
Minnesota..............   2,594.7   2,670.8   2,672.5   2,673.8     88.6      77.3      72.6      67.9    3.4   2.9   2.7   2.5
Mississippi............   1,256.8   1,279.3   1,284.8   1,280.9     75.1      65.6      69.8      69.1    6.0   5.1   5.4   5.4
Missouri...............   2,896.1   2,895.0   2,911.3   2,912.1    132.2     115.7     115.0     118.2    4.6   4.0   4.0   4.1
Montana................     449.1     460.6     462.2     462.5     23.2      24.7      25.1      24.2    5.2   5.4   5.4   5.2
Nebraska...............     899.3     923.6     924.2     925.8     27.2      17.7      16.6      17.9    3.0   1.9   1.8   1.9
Nevada.................     868.2     900.6     905.7     910.9     37.8      35.8      39.0      41.4    4.4   4.0   4.3   4.5
New Hampshire..........     633.8     651.2     653.3     652.7     21.0      19.1      17.9      18.1    3.3   2.9   2.7   2.8
                                                                                                                               
New Jersey.............   4,187.2   4,178.1   4,181.8   4,184.8    222.7     206.6     204.7     209.8    5.3   4.9   4.9   5.0
New Mexico.............     808.7     835.5     836.1     838.2     54.5      53.3      51.2      52.3    6.7   6.4   6.1   6.2
New York...............   8,778.2   8,775.9   8,786.7   8,809.7    573.1     534.0     527.2     542.2    6.5   6.1   6.0   6.2
  New York City........   3,377.5   3,321.9   3,341.4   3,368.3    330.9     280.8     285.0     297.0    9.8   8.5   8.5   8.8
North Carolina.........   3,840.3   3,828.0   3,842.0   3,846.2    141.1     139.8     138.4     140.2    3.7   3.7   3.6   3.6
North Dakota...........     347.2     346.1     346.2     345.9      9.4       7.0       6.4       6.6    2.7   2.0   1.8   1.9
Ohio...................   5,677.4   5,786.2   5,796.7   5,803.8    286.3     254.6     234.7     239.9    5.0   4.4   4.0   4.1
Oklahoma...............   1,593.9   1,607.5   1,608.2   1,613.2     67.1      57.3      52.7      57.7    4.2   3.6   3.3   3.6
Oregon.................   1,706.0   1,775.4   1,807.9   1,774.4    106.2      94.2      94.1      84.1    6.2   5.3   5.2   4.7
Pennsylvania...........   5,973.5   5,991.7   5,977.8   5,983.0    316.7     286.7     276.4     280.3    5.3   4.8   4.6   4.7
Rhode Island...........     501.1     507.5     508.6     506.5     26.9      24.6      24.5      24.5    5.4   4.9   4.8   4.8
                                                                                                                               
South Carolina.........   1,901.4   1,902.9   1,908.4   1,909.8    101.5      70.0      73.8      65.8    5.3   3.7   3.9   3.4
South Dakota...........     391.5     397.5     398.0     398.0     12.9      10.8      11.3      10.4    3.3   2.7   2.8   2.6
Tennessee..............   2,691.7   2,775.2   2,782.4   2,772.0    146.5     140.6     121.9     119.9    5.4   5.1   4.4   4.3
Texas..................   9,808.8   9,979.9  10,011.7  10,019.9    548.0     490.5     490.9     461.7    5.6   4.9   4.9   4.6
Utah...................   1,022.0   1,069.7   1,076.5   1,079.4     33.4      30.9      30.9      30.7    3.3   2.9   2.9   2.8
Vermont................     323.2     330.3     329.2     330.5     13.5      12.3      12.0      11.5    4.2   3.7   3.6   3.5
Virginia...............   3,343.1   3,538.4   3,541.0   3,547.4    140.1     121.2     116.4     115.1    4.2   3.4   3.3   3.2
Washington.............   2,943.7   3,016.0   3,012.2   3,009.1    148.7     133.6     134.6     124.0    5.1   4.4   4.5   4.1
West Virginia..........     808.8     802.7     802.9     800.4     58.9      51.6      49.2      46.1    7.3   6.4   6.1   5.8
Wisconsin..............   2,916.3   2,953.0   2,963.4   2,966.3    107.6     103.2      93.8      92.4    3.7   3.5   3.2   3.1
Wyoming................     249.8     254.9     254.0     254.2     13.3      11.4      10.6      10.2    5.3   4.5   4.2   4.0
                                                                                                                               
Puerto Rico............   1,297.4   1,294.1   1,303.1   1,311.4    168.2     187.2     188.7     186.3   13.0  14.5  14.5  14.2

  p = preliminary.
  NOTE: Data refer to place of residence. Data for Puerto Rico are derived from a monthly household survey similar to the
Current Population Survey. All estimates are provisional and will be revised when new benchmark and population information
becomes available.
LABOR FORCE DATA                                                                                                   LABOR FORCE DATA
NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED                                                                                     NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

Table 4. Civilian labor force and unemployment by state and selected areas, not seasonally adjusted

(Numbers in thousands)
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                           Unemployed                              
                                                                                                                                   
                                Civilian labor force                                                                               
                                                                                                                                   
         State                                                             Number                      Percent of labor force      
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                             January           February          January           February          January           February    
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                          1997     1998     1997     1998p    1997     1998     1997     1998p    1997     1998     1997     1998p 
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
Alabama................  2,137.6  2,128.4  2,156.0  2,130.9    109.5     88.8    119.4     89.1    5.1      4.2      5.5      4.2  
Alaska.................    310.0    311.1    311.9    312.7     31.5     24.3     32.4     24.9   10.2      7.8     10.4      8.0  
Arizona................  2,132.1  2,216.9  2,123.1  2,225.2    113.5     81.5    104.4     81.1    5.3      3.7      4.9      3.6  
Arkansas...............  1,183.0  1,218.3  1,187.1  1,226.8     76.4     72.4     73.9     73.2    6.5      5.9      6.2      6.0  
California............. 15,698.2 16,033.9 15,754.8 16,063.8  1,157.2  1,068.6  1,115.0  1,008.3    7.4      6.7      7.1      6.3  
  Los Angeles-Long                                                                                                                 
     Beach.............  4,403.9  4,531.3  4,435.6  4,564.8    345.1    293.8    330.8    275.7    7.8      6.5      7.5      6.0  
Colorado...............  2,080.2  2,180.0  2,084.7  2,196.3     87.7     71.7     78.6     71.6    4.2      3.3      3.8      3.3  
Connecticut............  1,700.0  1,695.8  1,697.5  1,693.9    109.4     77.5    104.3     74.8    6.4      4.6      6.1      4.4  
Delaware...............    376.8    385.7    378.1    389.0     21.2     16.0     20.2     16.2    5.6      4.1      5.3      4.2  
District of Columbia...    256.4    253.8    256.8    257.5     20.4     21.8     20.6     23.9    7.9      8.6      8.0      9.3  
Florida................  6,906.4  7,150.0  6,915.4  7,154.9    360.3    354.4    314.9    301.8    5.2      5.0      4.6      4.2  
                                                                                                                                   
Georgia................  3,804.9  3,879.7  3,849.1  3,924.7    173.0    145.8    186.0    162.1    4.5      3.8      4.8      4.1  
Hawaii.................    593.0    594.2    590.9    591.8     38.8     33.2     38.1     33.1    6.5      5.6      6.4      5.6  
Idaho..................    622.5    633.7    620.9    634.9     43.6     40.6     42.2     40.8    7.0      6.4      6.8      6.4  
Illinois...............  6,052.4  6,122.2  6,056.3  6,124.3    347.3    346.3    330.3    315.8    5.7      5.7      5.5      5.2  
Indiana................  3,006.2  3,058.9  3,022.9  3,066.0    116.2    112.7    117.5    113.1    3.9      3.7      3.9      3.7  
Iowa...................  1,570.5  1,572.1  1,570.4  1,577.0     72.4     55.6     70.3     51.2    4.6      3.5      4.5      3.2  
Kansas.................  1,337.9  1,396.7  1,335.2  1,396.1     65.6     58.2     59.1     52.3    4.9      4.2      4.4      3.7  
Kentucky...............  1,882.0  1,903.8  1,883.4  1,904.6    129.1    102.1    127.2     92.1    6.9      5.4      6.8      4.8  
Louisiana..............  1,982.0  2,037.3  1,981.2  2,006.6    144.1    122.9    122.4     86.9    7.3      6.0      6.2      4.3  
Maine..................    652.2    649.0    650.3    644.7     43.0     40.7     44.4     37.8    6.6      6.3      6.8      5.9  
                                                                                                                                   
Maryland...............  2,758.6  2,763.8  2,755.9  2,760.1    147.5    142.6    152.5    143.6    5.3      5.2      5.5      5.2  
Massachusetts..........  3,208.5  3,233.2  3,211.9  3,225.4    152.6    138.5    146.2    123.4    4.8      4.3      4.6      3.8  
Michigan...............  4,900.5  4,974.2  4,919.3  4,999.7    263.3    231.5    249.7    229.4    5.4      4.7      5.1      4.6  
Minnesota..............  2,560.0  2,636.7  2,558.0  2,636.5    113.8     92.2    101.1     80.0    4.4      3.5      4.0      3.0  
Mississippi............  1,243.7  1,272.7  1,253.5  1,277.5     80.2     74.3     75.5     69.3    6.5      5.8      6.0      5.4  
Missouri...............  2,866.9  2,878.2  2,865.1  2,881.4    154.9    134.0    144.0    130.1    5.4      4.7      5.0      4.5  
Montana................    441.8    454.8    445.1    458.5     28.2     29.7     28.6     29.6    6.4      6.5      6.4      6.5  
Nebraska...............    893.2    914.6    889.9    916.4     33.9     21.9     30.0     20.7    3.8      2.4      3.4      2.3  
Nevada.................    855.2    896.0    864.3    906.9     43.5     42.7     38.6     42.1    5.1      4.8      4.5      4.6  
New Hampshire..........    624.4    646.1    626.9    645.7     24.6     20.5     23.3     20.3    3.9      3.2      3.7      3.1  
                                                                                                                                   
New Jersey.............  4,139.9  4,138.8  4,155.2  4,151.8    251.5    225.5    237.4    223.6    6.1      5.4      5.7      5.4  
New Mexico.............    801.3    830.6    804.1    833.6     61.9     56.1     53.1     51.0    7.7      6.8      6.6      6.1  
New York...............  8,689.1  8,719.9  8,727.8  8,759.9    620.8    576.6    622.4    591.7    7.1      6.6      7.1      6.8  
  New York City........  3,361.7  3,336.0  3,378.7  3,369.9    342.3    297.5    343.7    310.0   10.2      8.9     10.2      9.2  
North Carolina.........  3,777.9  3,774.4  3,793.8  3,798.4    161.8    155.9    156.6    155.4    4.3      4.1      4.1      4.1  
North Dakota...........    337.5    334.6    338.4    336.8     13.2      8.1     10.4      7.3    3.9      2.4      3.1      2.2  
Ohio...................  5,581.0  5,706.1  5,585.6  5,707.2    327.8    283.3    317.2    271.2    5.9      5.0      5.7      4.8  
Oklahoma...............  1,577.5  1,589.4  1,581.6  1,601.3     82.2     63.6     75.5     66.1    5.2      4.0      4.8      4.1  
Oregon.................  1,686.1  1,775.7  1,683.1  1,752.1    124.1    109.7    125.4    103.4    7.4      6.2      7.4      5.9  
Pennsylvania...........  5,895.2  5,899.6  5,896.9  5,906.4    346.0    307.9    345.2    308.6    5.9      5.2      5.9      5.2  
Rhode Island...........    498.0    506.2    501.1    506.5     31.1     28.9     33.1     30.7    6.2      5.7      6.6      6.1  
                                                                                                                                   
South Carolina.........  1,850.0  1,866.9  1,880.3  1,888.4    107.3     76.9    108.7     72.8    5.8      4.1      5.8      3.9  
South Dakota...........    382.1    387.6    380.8    387.2     16.6     13.9     14.9     12.5    4.3      3.6      3.9      3.2  
Tennessee..............  2,656.3  2,736.8  2,652.6  2,732.6    164.6    139.8    154.7    128.0    6.2      5.1      5.8      4.7  
Texas..................  9,720.2  9,928.2  9,715.7  9,922.3    590.3    531.1    568.2    478.8    6.1      5.3      5.8      4.8  
Utah...................  1,008.9  1,064.0  1,007.2  1,063.1     35.2     31.9     37.3     34.3    3.5      3.0      3.7      3.2  
Vermont................    318.2    324.9    321.2    328.0     17.2     15.1     16.4     13.9    5.4      4.6      5.1      4.3  
Virginia...............  3,305.4  3,498.4  3,310.8  3,512.2    155.6    128.6    147.5    121.1    4.7      3.7      4.5      3.4  
Washington.............  2,929.1  3,012.6  2,932.0  2,996.8    179.4    159.8    177.3    152.1    6.1      5.3      6.0      5.1  
West Virginia..........    802.1    794.1    798.6    790.3     69.8     59.4     68.9     56.2    8.7      7.5      8.6      7.1  
Wisconsin..............  2,874.2  2,915.6  2,879.8  2,928.5    129.0    112.0    132.8    117.8    4.5      3.8      4.6      4.0  
Wyoming................    247.0    249.2    246.9    251.3     17.5     13.7     17.2     14.0    7.1      5.5      7.0      5.6  
                                                                                                                                   
Puerto Rico............  1,301.8  1,301.2  1,296.3  1,310.5    164.3    188.5    164.3    182.1   12.6     14.5     12.7     13.9  

  p = preliminary.
  NOTE: Data refer to place of  residence. Data for Puerto Rico are derived from a monthly household survey similar to the Current
Population Survey. All estimates are provisional and will be revised when new benchmark and population information becomes
available.
     ESTABLISHMENT DATA
                                                                                                      SEASONALLY ADJUSTED
     SEASONALLY ADJUSTED
     
     Table 5. Employees on nonfarm payrolls by state and selected industry division, seasonally adjusted

     (In thousands)
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                                      Total(1)                      Construction                   Manufacturing         
                                                                                                                         
            State                                                                                                        
                            Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb.    Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb.    Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb. 
                            1997    1997    1998   1998p    1997    1997    1998   1998p    1997    1997    1998   1998p 
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
      Alabama............ 1,852.2 1,871.9 1,876.5 1,875.8    96.1    96.2    97.1    97.8   380.8   378.6   380.2   380.0
      Alaska.............   266.5   268.3   270.2   273.2    12.8    12.8    12.8    13.0    15.9    13.9    15.5    16.5
      Arizona............ 1,946.9 2,021.9 2,031.5 2,039.9   128.3   131.6   134.5   133.1   204.3   212.9   214.7   214.9
      Arkansas........... 1,093.8 1,111.6 1,110.5 1,113.0    46.6    48.1    47.5    47.5   253.0   254.0   255.5   255.4
      California......... 12959.7 13398.3 13401.2 13437.5   534.8   577.9   583.4   584.1 1,886.4 1,941.6 1,943.2 1,947.4
                                                                                                                         
      Colorado........... 1,949.1 2,009.5 2,017.8 2,020.1   115.6   122.1   127.3   127.6   201.0   207.7   206.9   208.6
      Connecticut........ 1,603.9 1,642.6 1,639.6 1,642.0    56.9    58.9    60.1    60.1   275.1   276.3   277.1   277.2
      Delaware...........   383.3   395.5   394.6   396.5    22.8    22.5    23.1    22.8    56.7    58.7    56.7    57.2
      District of                                                                                                        
         Columbia........   618.7   610.4   613.1   609.7     9.4     8.8     8.7     8.8    12.8    12.6    12.8    12.7
      Florida............ 6,323.7 6,551.6 6,566.0 6,578.3   327.8   339.9   340.5   340.8   490.4   491.9   491.8   491.7
                                                                                                                         
      Georgia............ 3,574.5 3,690.0 3,690.7 3,704.4   165.5   175.2   177.2   177.5   588.0   590.0   589.1   587.8
      Hawaii(2)..........   532.0   530.5   528.6   528.5    23.1    21.8    21.9    21.9    16.8    16.5    16.5    16.4
      Idaho..............   503.3   514.0   515.1   514.4    31.5    32.3    32.7    32.9    74.0    75.8    76.4    77.1
      Illinois........... 5,729.7 5,833.8 5,837.8 5,834.2   227.3   239.1   239.8   240.8   969.5   980.9   981.3   980.5
      Indiana............ 2,846.9 2,884.0 2,874.6 2,880.7   140.2   142.9   143.3   143.8   677.4   679.6   678.6   680.2
                                                                                                                         
      Iowa............... 1,395.0 1,419.2 1,423.0 1,424.5    58.6    61.0    60.1    60.4   251.1   256.3   256.5   257.2
      Kansas............. 1,250.5 1,287.4 1,291.5 1,293.4    57.7    59.3    60.7    60.7   202.4   208.9   209.7   209.9
      Kentucky........... 1,698.5 1,732.0 1,738.5 1,736.6    81.3    82.3    85.2    83.6   313.2   316.7   318.6   318.5
      Louisiana.......... 1,830.3 1,869.8 1,870.5 1,874.2   115.6   117.1   117.9   118.0   189.5   190.8   190.8   190.2
      Maine..............   547.0   561.4   558.1   561.0    23.9    24.4    24.4    24.4    87.1    88.1    88.1    88.3
                                                                                                                         
      Maryland........... 2,248.6 2,273.8 2,282.0 2,282.5   139.5   140.3   140.6   140.2   176.9   176.7   176.6   178.2
      Massachusetts...... 3,089.2 3,168.4 3,173.0 3,185.2   101.0   104.4   107.9   109.0   445.0   452.9   455.8   457.0
      Michigan........... 4,418.2 4,489.6 4,495.7 4,508.8   174.9   186.1   184.8   186.6   969.2   969.3   970.9   972.6
      Minnesota.......... 2,461.0 2,518.5 2,514.1 2,521.4    92.7    96.3    97.6    99.3   430.6   440.4   440.7   438.7
      Mississippi........ 1,097.5 1,112.6 1,117.6 1,119.2    49.0    51.5    52.7    52.7   241.4   241.1   241.8   242.5
                                                                                                                         
      Missouri........... 2,617.6 2,658.9 2,664.4 2,664.4   120.0   124.9   123.1   125.5   417.7   420.2   426.7   420.1
      Montana............   362.7   370.3   368.7   370.6    16.8    18.9    18.9    19.0    24.0    24.3    24.4    24.5
      Nebraska...........   844.6   868.6   874.0   877.3    37.1    40.9    42.8    42.4   115.1   117.0   117.7   118.3
      Nevada.............   878.2   907.2   907.0   911.8    80.4    84.0    85.1    85.2    39.9    41.4    41.7    41.9
      New Hampshire......   562.9   570.0   572.7   572.4    20.8    21.4    21.8    21.9   105.7   108.1   108.8   108.5
                                                                                                                         
      New Jersey......... 3,695.9 3,766.5 3,771.3 3,783.8   130.7   131.9   135.6   136.9   481.8   484.4   486.0   484.9
      New Mexico.........   701.3   713.9   712.7   714.2    42.4    42.2    42.1    42.2    45.8    47.3    46.9    46.7
      New York........... 7,983.5 8,095.6 8,082.4 8,097.9   261.7   268.1   265.6   268.6   921.5   925.1   923.0   920.1
      North Carolina..... 3,623.2 3,715.4 3,719.6 3,733.1   201.9   208.7   211.7   208.9   836.7   833.5   833.1   833.3
      North Dakota.......   312.4   316.2   317.4   318.8    14.3    14.9    15.1    15.2    22.7    23.6    24.0    23.9
                                                                                                                         
      Ohio............... 5,345.5 5,421.7 5,439.2 5,438.4   221.4   225.3   226.7   228.6 1,088.1 1,093.8 1,095.3 1,096.3
      Oklahoma........... 1,376.3 1,405.1 1,405.7 1,410.3    50.8    50.8    51.8    52.0   179.0   183.7   184.2   184.3
      Oregon............. 1,510.9 1,551.0 1,551.8 1,555.4    80.4    84.6    82.3    83.7   241.2   246.7   247.0   247.3
      Pennsylvania....... 5,380.1 5,446.5 5,453.9 5,457.2   213.7   217.1   218.4   218.4   934.7   938.6   943.0   942.2
      Rhode Island.......   446.0   453.4   452.7   454.6    14.4    15.1    15.4    15.6    80.0    80.1    79.4    79.7
                                                                                                                         
      South Carolina..... 1,707.8 1,749.1 1,763.5 1,766.1    99.3   103.3   104.9   105.0   363.2   362.2   362.2   361.3
      South Dakota.......   351.4   356.1   354.9   355.2    14.6    15.9    15.9    16.0    48.8    49.9    49.0    48.7
      Tennessee.......... 2,561.4 2,605.3 2,618.6 2,612.2   116.3   118.1   117.0   114.4   516.8   517.7   517.8   518.1
      Texas.............. 8,474.3 8,760.7 8,755.4 8,801.2   452.4   467.0   468.1   475.8 1,069.8 1,093.9 1,093.3 1,093.7
      Utah...............   980.6 1,014.3 1,015.6 1,019.2    62.2    66.5    65.7    66.3   131.8   134.0   135.1   135.2
                                                                                                                         
      Vermont............   277.3   281.4   279.3   279.7    12.7    13.3    12.7    12.6    46.3    47.2    47.3    47.3
      Virginia........... 3,205.2 3,278.7 3,280.0 3,292.7   186.8   189.0   190.2   191.4   402.1   405.8   406.4   406.4
      Washington......... 2,478.7 2,543.6 2,546.0 2,558.9   135.0   136.6   137.7   137.7   361.5   376.0   376.5   377.5
      West Virginia......   704.9   717.1   715.3   715.8    35.7    35.5    36.2    35.8    81.5    82.7    83.0    83.0
      Wisconsin.......... 2,629.4 2,684.9 2,691.4 2,692.4   107.4   110.0   110.2   111.8   603.1   617.4   620.8   619.4
      Wyoming............   222.1   223.0   222.8   222.8    14.4    14.9    14.9    15.2    10.5    10.9    10.9    10.8






                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                             Transportation and public                 Trade                Finance, insurance, and real 
                                     utilities                                                         estate            
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                            Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb.    Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb.    Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb. 
                            1997    1997    1998   1998p    1997    1997    1998   1998p    1997    1997    1998   1998p 
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
      Alabama............    91.0    91.0    91.6    91.5   424.9   429.4   430.3   430.4    83.4    85.1    85.1    85.4
      Alaska.............    23.4    24.4    24.4    24.7    55.0    55.4    55.9    56.3    11.8    12.2    12.1    12.1
      Arizona............    94.4    97.8    98.2    96.9   476.0   491.3   496.7   497.6   122.8   130.3   130.5   131.7
      Arkansas...........    64.7    67.2    67.1    67.4   250.3   252.7   251.6   251.3    43.7    44.5    44.3    44.5
      California.........   653.8   675.1   675.6   676.6 3,014.1 3,106.6 3,091.3 3,107.2   742.7   765.1   765.8   769.1
                                                                                                                         
      Colorado...........   121.5   121.2   122.5   122.6   476.8   486.5   489.5   492.0   124.1   130.0   130.0   130.5
      Connecticut........    74.4    75.7    75.3    75.8   350.3   362.3   360.2   360.2   129.8   133.6   133.7   133.9
      Delaware...........    15.6    15.8    15.5    15.6    85.5    86.1    86.7    87.8    45.2    48.6    48.4    48.6
      District of                                                                                                        
         Columbia........    17.7    17.5    17.7    17.3    49.5    48.8    48.6    48.2    28.0    28.4    28.9    28.4
      Florida............   324.1   332.2   335.6   336.1 1,633.1 1,680.9 1,678.4 1,683.2   402.2   419.2   418.8   419.7
                                                                                                                         
      Georgia............   226.8   236.4   236.3   237.6   903.5   932.4   931.9   935.1   183.7   191.7   191.8   192.2
      Hawaii(2)..........    41.5    41.0    41.1    41.2   134.9   134.4   133.8   133.7    36.5    35.7    35.6    35.3
      Idaho..............    23.9    24.2    24.7    24.4   128.2   129.7   129.6   129.9    25.1    25.6    25.7    25.9
      Illinois...........   337.0   342.0   342.0   340.8 1,320.3 1,336.8 1,339.7 1,335.6   393.6   405.2   406.3   406.6
      Indiana............   141.0   141.5   142.3   142.3   681.3   681.9   676.9   682.9   136.8   140.4   140.2   140.4
                                                                                                                         
      Iowa...............    64.9    66.7    66.9    67.0   344.1   347.7   347.8   346.7    78.4    80.9    81.3    81.0
      Kansas.............    71.6    72.9    72.9    72.8   305.5   314.4   314.7   316.1    60.7    60.9    60.8    61.0
      Kentucky...........    97.1    99.4    99.5    99.6   407.9   416.1   416.2   417.1    68.1    70.6    70.5    70.9
      Louisiana..........   109.3   112.1   111.7   112.5   426.9   436.2   434.7   436.5    84.6    86.8    86.5    86.6
      Maine..............    23.2    23.5    23.5    23.9   136.9   142.4   140.4   139.9    27.9    29.2    29.4    29.7
                                                                                                                         
      Maryland...........   106.6   106.3   105.3   106.0   536.5   539.1   543.2   541.1   130.3   131.3   131.5   131.7
      Massachusetts......   131.8   135.3   136.8   137.0   705.8   723.6   727.4   728.7   212.4   215.7   215.9   216.0
      Michigan...........   172.8   175.3   175.4   174.6 1,037.4 1,050.9 1,050.2 1,055.8   206.2   207.1   207.9   208.7
      Minnesota..........   122.4   126.0   125.9   125.4   594.9   608.6   605.1   605.8   145.2   149.1   149.2   149.9
      Mississippi........    52.8    53.5    54.1    53.9   235.9   237.8   238.7   238.4    41.4    41.1    41.2    41.4
                                                                                                                         
      Missouri...........   164.6   164.3   165.9   165.5   621.0   626.4   625.4   626.9   153.2   155.5   155.8   156.1
      Montana............    21.1    21.3    21.5    21.5    98.6    99.4    98.8    99.3    16.3    16.6    16.7    16.8
      Nebraska...........    51.9    54.6    54.9    55.0   208.3   211.7   214.5   214.3    54.0    55.9    55.8    56.6
      Nevada.............    44.1    46.7    46.7    47.0   176.5   183.1   183.1   183.9    39.2    41.2    41.4    41.5
      New Hampshire......    19.4    19.4    19.7    19.4   146.5   150.2   149.8   149.3    29.0    29.2    29.3    29.2
                                                                                                                         
      New Jersey.........   256.4   260.4   260.4   261.7   866.1   880.1   879.5   886.7   236.5   242.2   243.3   244.1
      New Mexico.........    31.7    32.5    32.5    32.5   167.2   169.1   168.7   169.2    31.4    31.4    31.5    31.6
      New York...........   408.8   410.7   411.7   410.7 1,634.1 1,655.5 1,654.3 1,650.2   716.4   722.1   721.3   724.0
      North Carolina.....   170.0   170.9   171.0   171.1   831.7   840.5   841.8   848.7   163.2   169.3   170.6   172.6
      North Dakota.......    18.3    18.0    18.3    18.1    80.9    82.0    81.3    81.7    14.5    15.2    15.3    15.3
                                                                                                                         
      Ohio...............   233.4   233.3   235.4   235.7 1,302.5 1,321.3 1,317.1 1,317.3   283.7   288.9   290.0   289.2
      Oklahoma...........    77.9    80.9    80.7    81.3   323.0   327.3   326.4   326.9    68.8    70.2    70.3    70.5
      Oregon.............    74.2    74.4    74.5    74.2   374.0   384.8   383.0   385.9    94.4    96.0    96.4    96.9
      Pennsylvania.......   278.5   278.2   281.0   281.4 1,215.7 1,228.0 1,216.7 1,222.9   311.8   317.6   317.5   318.9
      Rhode Island.......    15.4    15.9    15.4    15.9    98.3    98.6    98.5    99.4    26.3    26.6    26.9    26.9
                                                                                                                         
      South Carolina.....    74.7    76.9    75.8    76.0   406.6   427.6   430.0   430.8    73.8    75.8    76.0    76.6
      South Dakota.......    16.4    15.8    16.1    16.1    87.4    88.1    87.2    87.3    20.5    21.7    21.7    21.5
      Tennessee..........   149.7   150.1   153.1   152.9   604.5   618.4   618.1   617.9   118.3   121.7   123.4   123.3
      Texas..............   502.8   526.0   527.8   530.7 2,022.8 2,081.5 2,084.5 2,085.7   457.2   471.2   473.5   475.3
      Utah...............    55.4    57.7    57.4    57.5   235.7   242.7   242.7   244.3    51.9    53.9    53.7    54.1
                                                                                                                         
      Vermont............    12.2    12.3    12.4    12.5    65.1    65.3    64.8    65.0    12.1    12.2    12.2    12.1
      Virginia...........   165.5   171.3   170.9   171.8   721.9   734.4   730.9   735.0   167.0   169.5   170.6   171.0
      Washington.........   132.3   133.9   135.6   136.4   601.1   612.8   615.4   618.1   125.8   131.0   131.5   131.8
      West Virginia......    38.7    38.8    39.2    38.7   162.2   164.5   163.4   164.6    28.0    28.6    28.4    28.2
      Wisconsin..........   123.6   122.5   124.0   124.1   601.7   609.5   608.6   611.3   139.5   141.9   141.8   142.3
      Wyoming............    13.9    13.9    13.7    13.7    52.6    52.3    52.5    52.0     8.0     8.2     8.2     8.3






                                                                                         
                                                                                         
                                      Services                       Government          
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
                            Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb.    Feb.    Dec.    Jan.    Feb. 
                            1997    1997    1998   1998p    1997    1997    1998   1998p 
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
      Alabama............   420.7   434.3   435.1   435.0   344.9   347.3   347.2   345.8
      Alaska.............    64.5    66.0    66.5    67.0    73.6    73.5    73.1    73.4
      Arizona............   586.5   616.3   617.3   621.9   320.6   327.5   325.4   329.9
      Arkansas...........   249.6   257.7   257.2   259.1   182.4   183.9   183.7   184.2
      California......... 3,966.6 4,142.0 4,154.9 4,163.5 2,131.8 2,160.5 2,157.5 2,160.2
                                                                                         
      Colorado...........   583.7   610.8   609.5   607.1   312.6   317.0   318.2   317.5
      Connecticut........   490.6   508.7   506.6   507.0   226.1   226.3   225.8   227.0
      Delaware...........   104.3   109.9   110.2   110.7    53.1    53.8    53.9    53.7
      District of                                                                        
         Columbia........   265.8   265.6   266.3   266.0   235.4   228.6   230.0   228.2
      Florida............ 2,202.0 2,330.5 2,337.5 2,347.3   937.5   950.5   956.9   952.9
                                                                                         
      Georgia............   926.0   973.2   972.3   981.8   573.3   582.9   584.0   584.2
      Hawaii(2)..........   168.6   169.5   168.4   169.2   110.6   111.6   111.3   110.8
      Idaho..............   118.6   123.9   121.8   120.9    98.8    99.4   101.1   100.2
      Illinois........... 1,665.2 1,714.0 1,713.4 1,715.7   804.8   804.1   803.8   802.9
      Indiana............   672.7   700.7   691.3   692.0   390.9   390.4   395.2   392.4
                                                                                         
      Iowa...............   362.0   369.9   371.6   372.9   233.9   234.6   236.8   237.3
      Kansas.............   308.5   325.0   324.9   325.9   235.9   237.8   239.4   238.5
      Kentucky...........   417.3   433.3   432.0   433.0   290.5   291.1   294.1   291.2
      Louisiana..........   490.7   506.0   507.4   507.1   362.1   365.2   365.4   367.2
      Maine..............   155.3   160.7   160.6   161.7    92.6    93.0    91.6    93.0
                                                                                         
      Maryland...........   741.5   764.0   763.1   764.1   416.0   414.8   420.4   419.9
      Massachusetts...... 1,090.9 1,126.1 1,119.3 1,126.4   401.0   409.0   408.5   409.8
      Michigan........... 1,201.3 1,243.2 1,244.1 1,245.7   648.6   650.0   654.7   657.2
      Minnesota..........   689.3   710.5   708.1   713.4   378.0   379.9   379.7   381.1
      Mississippi........   253.5   261.3   262.7   263.5   217.8   220.3   220.2   220.6
                                                                                         
      Missouri...........   728.0   746.5   746.2   746.9   408.4   416.4   416.4   418.5
      Montana............   102.8   106.6   106.1   107.4    77.7    77.9    77.0    76.8
      Nebraska...........   225.6   233.3   234.3   235.9   151.4   154.0   152.8   153.4
      Nevada.............   378.7   387.2   386.5   388.9   104.5   109.2   108.4   109.5
      New Hampshire......   162.6   165.7   165.2   165.4    78.5    75.6    77.8    78.3
                                                                                         
      New Jersey......... 1,152.1 1,195.1 1,194.6 1,197.0   570.3   570.5   570.0   570.6
      New Mexico.........   192.0   197.2   196.8   197.8   175.1   178.6   178.7   178.7
      New York........... 2,661.6 2,736.5 2,734.3 2,750.1 1,374.8 1,373.3 1,368.3 1,369.9
      North Carolina.....   845.2   899.5   899.8   901.4   570.5   589.0   587.5   593.0
      North Dakota.......    86.6    87.8    88.4    89.1    71.0    70.5    70.9    71.3
                                                                                         
      Ohio............... 1,446.8 1,484.7 1,497.6 1,495.5   756.0   760.9   763.4   762.5
      Oklahoma...........   371.0   383.0   382.9   384.6   273.8   277.3   277.6   278.9
      Oregon.............   395.1   408.7   412.0   410.2   249.8   253.9   254.7   255.3
      Pennsylvania....... 1,689.1 1,732.9 1,739.0 1,737.1   716.2   713.8   717.8   716.0
      Rhode Island.......   149.1   152.1   151.9   151.7    62.4    64.8    65.1    65.3
                                                                                         
      South Carolina.....   389.8   401.4   409.3   410.9   298.6   300.0   303.4   303.6
      South Dakota.......    91.2    92.5    92.9    93.8    70.2    70.1    69.9    69.7
      Tennessee..........   671.1   691.1   699.0   696.6   380.2   383.6   385.6   384.5
      Texas.............. 2,332.8 2,457.1 2,448.9 2,475.7 1,474.4 1,496.7 1,490.8 1,494.5
      Utah...............   264.8   276.4   277.7   277.7   170.5   174.8   175.0   175.7
                                                                                         
      Vermont............    82.6    84.7    83.9    84.3    45.7    45.7    45.4    45.3
      Virginia...........   953.4   999.2 1,004.5 1,009.7   597.2   598.5   595.7   596.5
      Washington.........   666.3   689.4   689.5   695.4   453.2   460.3   456.3   458.6
      West Virginia......   195.4   202.5   202.5   202.9   138.9   140.8   139.3   139.5
      Wisconsin..........   665.7   692.3   693.5   691.6   385.8   388.7   390.0   389.4
      Wyoming............    48.7    49.0    48.8    48.7    57.5    57.1    56.9    57.0

       1 Includes mining, not shown separately.
       2 Mining is combined with construction.
       p = preliminary.
      NOTE:   Data are counts of jobs by place of work.  Data have been adjusted to
     reflect March 1997 benchmark levels and updated seasonal adjustment factors. 
     Estimates subsequent to the current benchmark month are provisional and will be
     revised when new information becomes available.
     ESTABLISHMENT DATA
                                                                                                  NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED
     NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED
     
     Table 6. Employees on nonfarm payrolls by state and selected industry division, not seasonally adjusted

     (In thousands)
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                                      Total(1)                      Construction                   Manufacturing         
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
            State             January         February        January         February        January         February   
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                            1997    1998    1997   1998p    1997    1998    1997   1998p    1997    1998    1997   1998p 
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
      Alabama............ 1,830.0 1,861.0 1,836.0 1,865.5    92.2    93.4    92.7    94.6   379.6   379.6   378.9   378.9
      Alaska.............   246.9   252.8   253.2   260.0     9.4     9.5     9.4     9.7    11.4    11.3    14.9    15.5
      Arizona............ 1,918.9 2,017.8 1,954.2 2,048.4   124.5   130.6   125.7   130.0   202.0   213.8   202.9   214.4
      Arkansas........... 1,069.1 1,094.0 1,079.3 1,102.6    43.0    43.9    43.4    44.5   249.7   253.9   250.9   254.5
      California......... 12710.4 13248.5 12852.6 13345.8   494.7   555.2   510.9   557.1 1,849.3 1,922.1 1,867.1 1,931.5
                                                                                                                         
      Colorado........... 1,913.4 1,999.3 1,931.9 2,012.6   105.0   118.3   107.2   120.2   199.4   207.2   199.5   207.6
      Connecticut........ 1,571.3 1,612.8 1,579.6 1,620.2    48.7    52.8    48.4    52.7   274.2   276.8   273.8   276.7
      Delaware...........   372.5   385.8   373.9   387.5    21.7    21.4    20.6    20.6    56.2    56.3    56.3    57.0
      District of                                                                                                        
         Columbia........   607.0   601.7   612.9   605.9     8.7     8.4     8.8     8.5    12.7    12.6    12.8    12.6
      Florida............ 6,291.2 6,553.9 6,347.0 6,611.5   323.4   336.7   323.7   339.5   488.0   492.2   490.2   493.0
                                                                                                                         
      Georgia............ 3,518.0 3,655.5 3,539.1 3,673.7   158.2   171.4   159.9   173.3   585.5   588.6   585.8   587.7
      Hawaii(2)..........   528.9   527.3   533.5   530.8    22.5    21.8    22.3    21.6    16.5    16.3    16.6    16.3
      Idaho..............   488.4   503.2   490.4   504.1    26.9    29.1    27.0    29.1    72.8    76.0    72.9    76.2
      Illinois........... 5,598.6 5,728.9 5,624.8 5,749.1   194.1   209.8   193.8   209.3   961.1   976.0   965.3   976.8
      Indiana............ 2,781.6 2,829.7 2,802.2 2,849.4   123.3   127.5   123.6   127.3   670.2   675.0   673.1   677.5
                                                                                                                         
      Iowa............... 1,363.3 1,398.1 1,363.9 1,399.8    47.7    50.5    47.1    49.6   249.6   255.6   248.1   255.3
      Kansas............. 1,222.0 1,273.1 1,233.4 1,283.5    50.2    53.8    51.4    55.2   200.3   209.0   201.5   209.5
      Kentucky........... 1,657.1 1,704.1 1,668.7 1,711.6    73.0    77.0    73.3    76.5   311.8   317.2   310.9   317.3
      Louisiana.......... 1,799.9 1,853.8 1,811.2 1,865.0   109.9   114.9   112.0   116.2   186.4   188.6   186.3   188.2
      Maine..............   527.0   538.7   528.9   543.0    20.8    21.2    19.9    20.4    85.9    87.1    85.9    87.1
                                                                                                                         
      Maryland........... 2,186.6 2,231.3 2,198.5 2,240.7   128.7   132.0   128.4   130.7   174.8   175.1   175.1   176.7
      Massachusetts...... 3,022.6 3,123.6 3,033.8 3,137.5    87.4    95.5    85.8    93.6   443.1   454.6   442.2   454.7
      Michigan........... 4,333.1 4,433.6 4,355.1 4,463.8   152.6   166.3   151.4   164.2   963.2   973.5   966.0   974.8
      Minnesota.......... 2,404.8 2,469.1 2,415.2 2,477.5    74.6    81.1    73.9    79.9   421.1   434.4   423.4   432.7
      Mississippi........ 1,079.7 1,107.0 1,085.8 1,110.3    45.3    49.8    46.3    50.2   239.8   240.7   239.9   241.3
                                                                                                                         
      Missouri........... 2,544.5 2,600.4 2,572.2 2,629.2   108.4   113.3   109.7   116.6   414.7   421.3   416.4   420.6
      Montana............   349.9   358.8   352.0   361.2    13.3    15.6    13.4    15.5    23.4    24.2    23.3    24.1
      Nebraska...........   827.3   860.3   831.6   866.5    32.1    37.9    32.0    38.0   114.3   117.5   114.7   118.1
      Nevada.............   858.9   897.4   867.8   904.2    75.9    81.8    77.1    82.4    39.2    41.6    39.5    41.8
      New Hampshire......   550.3   564.5   551.3   565.0    18.3    20.2    17.8    19.5   105.4   108.7   105.6   108.6
                                                                                                                         
      New Jersey......... 3,605.7 3,701.5 3,622.4 3,714.2   116.0   122.2   114.7   120.4   474.4   479.4   475.4   479.4
      New Mexico.........   686.0   700.7   694.6   708.5    39.2    39.5    40.2    39.9    44.6    45.9    44.9    45.8
      New York........... 7,801.0 7,925.7 7,853.4 7,973.3   228.9   234.3   226.0   232.3   903.9   907.1   908.4   910.4
      North Carolina..... 3,556.5 3,680.3 3,577.8 3,703.6   192.1   203.2   193.8   202.2   832.1   831.0   833.4   830.1
      North Dakota.......   303.3   311.3   306.1   313.6    10.9    12.3    10.8    12.1    22.0    23.6    22.3    23.5
                                                                                                                         
      Ohio............... 5,233.0 5,336.5 5,254.7 5,352.7   192.5   199.0   191.1   199.2 1,080.7 1,090.9 1,081.5 1,091.5
      Oklahoma........... 1,351.1 1,391.2 1,363.1 1,402.1    48.5    49.5    48.8    50.5   177.3   183.6   177.9   183.8
      Oregon............. 1,471.9 1,521.8 1,483.5 1,532.3    73.9    77.4    74.2    77.8   234.5   240.8   235.4   241.7
      Pennsylvania....... 5,262.9 5,353.8 5,294.8 5,386.0   187.8   197.7   185.9   192.9   926.1   936.3   926.2   935.2
      Rhode Island.......   433.9   443.9   435.5   446.8    12.2    14.1    11.8    13.9    80.0    79.1    79.5    79.2
                                                                                                                         
      South Carolina..... 1,669.4 1,729.3 1,683.7 1,741.3    95.8   102.3    97.2   102.7   361.2   362.6   362.4   361.4
      South Dakota.......   340.4   347.7   342.5   348.1    11.8    13.4    11.8    13.4    47.8    48.5    48.2    48.1
      Tennessee.......... 2,503.3 2,579.8 2,524.8 2,581.4   106.9   109.7   108.3   107.6   514.4   517.0   515.2   517.5
      Texas.............. 8,317.4 8,685.4 8,403.0 8,751.0   428.9   460.2   442.4   467.0 1,058.1 1,087.6 1,063.5 1,090.5
      Utah...............   960.6   998.8   970.5 1,008.5    56.1    60.2    56.9    61.2   130.2   133.9   131.2   134.2
                                                                                                                         
      Vermont............   272.5   277.0   277.1   280.7    10.8    11.2    10.2    10.4    45.5    46.6    45.7    46.8
      Virginia........... 3,148.2 3,241.6 3,159.5 3,255.0   176.6   182.4   176.8   181.9   399.7   405.8   399.9   405.4
      Washington......... 2,414.1 2,498.9 2,434.0 2,521.0   123.0   126.3   123.8   127.4   353.9   370.6   355.8   371.8
      West Virginia......   688.1   699.9   687.2   700.6    30.2    30.9    29.7    30.0    80.9    82.6    80.6    82.4
      Wisconsin.......... 2,559.8 2,634.2 2,569.7 2,643.0    92.7    96.4    90.9    95.9   593.5   614.1   593.8   612.3
      Wyoming............   212.7   214.2   212.3   213.9    11.6    12.3    11.6    12.4    10.5    10.8    10.3    10.5
                                                                                                                         
      Puerto Rico........   972.9   955.7   976.1   954.5    54.8    52.7    57.1    53.7   151.1   143.7   152.1   145.0






                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                             Transportation and public                 Trade                Finance, insurance, and real 
                                     utilities                                                         estate            
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                              January         February        January         February        January         February   
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
                            1997    1998    1997   1998p    1997    1998    1997   1998p    1997    1998    1997   1998p 
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                         
      Alabama............    90.1    90.8    90.0    90.9   418.9   425.3   416.6   423.9    82.6    84.7    82.7    85.0
      Alaska.............    21.3    22.5    21.8    22.9    51.3    52.5    50.8    52.2    11.6    11.8    11.5    11.8
      Arizona............    92.9    96.1    93.3    96.3   475.6   495.7   478.1   497.1   121.0   130.6   122.8   131.8
      Arkansas...........    63.6    66.4    63.8    66.5   243.7   247.0   243.7   246.1    43.2    44.0    43.2    44.1
      California.........   639.3   666.8   644.2   668.5 2,968.1 3,069.5 2,971.6 3,068.8   734.7   761.8   742.0   766.8
                                                                                                                         
      Colorado...........   121.3   122.2   121.8   122.5   470.1   487.7   468.9   487.6   122.7   130.4   123.8   130.5
      Connecticut........    73.6    75.1    73.5    75.3   346.2   356.1   341.4   351.4   128.0   133.0   128.8   133.0
      Delaware...........    15.2    15.4    15.4    15.6    81.7    83.7    81.2    83.3    44.6    48.0    45.0    48.4
      District of                                                                                                        
         Columbia........    17.5    17.3    17.5    17.0    47.6    47.5    48.1    47.3    28.3    28.7    28.1    28.3
      Florida............   320.8   333.6   322.7   335.4 1,632.7 1,679.0 1,639.1 1,690.5   398.0   417.7   400.7   419.8
                                                                                                                         
      Georgia............   222.9   234.6   224.3   235.5   889.2   921.7   887.7   918.9   181.1   191.1   182.6   191.2
      Hawaii(2)..........    41.2    41.1    41.4    41.2   134.8   133.7   134.5   133.5    36.2    35.4    36.3    35.3
      Idaho..............    23.5    24.5    23.4    24.2   124.8   127.1   124.1   126.3    24.8    25.6    24.8    25.8
      Illinois...........   334.9   339.7   333.6   339.1 1,301.4 1,324.4 1,288.5 1,309.7   390.5   403.8   390.9   404.4
      Indiana............   137.7   139.4   138.2   139.5   666.2   668.4   662.8   666.1   134.9   138.8   135.3   139.1
                                                                                                                         
      Iowa...............    63.7    66.3    63.6    66.4   335.7   340.5   332.3   336.4    77.6    80.6    77.4    80.4
      Kansas.............    70.9    72.5    70.8    72.5   300.1   312.1   299.5   312.0    60.0    60.5    60.0    60.5
      Kentucky...........    95.8    98.9    95.2    98.4   400.1   407.9   397.2   406.3    67.3    69.9    67.3    70.1
      Louisiana..........   107.6   111.3   108.0   111.9   420.4   430.6   419.8   431.0    83.8    86.2    84.1    86.3
      Maine..............    22.3    22.9    22.5    23.2   130.8   133.5   127.3   130.3    27.3    29.0    27.7    29.5
                                                                                                                         
      Maryland...........   105.2   104.5   105.3   105.0   523.8   530.4   518.8   525.7   128.8   130.2   129.2   130.5
      Massachusetts......   130.0   135.4   129.9   135.4   688.0   715.0   682.6   709.1   210.7   214.6   210.7   214.3
      Michigan...........   168.9   172.1   169.6   172.3 1,018.3 1,036.7 1,008.5 1,031.7   203.7   206.1   204.4   206.6
      Minnesota..........   121.4   124.6   121.3   124.6   583.8   595.9   580.0   592.0   143.8   148.0   143.7   148.7
      Mississippi........    52.2    53.5    52.1    53.4   230.9   235.6   230.5   234.2    40.9    40.9    41.2    41.1
                                                                                                                         
      Missouri...........   161.9   164.4   162.4   164.5   605.6   612.3   602.2   609.7   151.2   154.6   151.5   154.6
      Montana............    20.6    21.2    20.7    21.2    94.5    95.8    94.4    95.6    16.0    16.5    16.0    16.6
      Nebraska...........    51.0    54.5    51.2    54.5   205.1   212.6   203.5   211.7    53.4    55.8    53.8    56.4
      Nevada.............    43.2    46.4    43.3    46.5   173.4   182.0   173.5   182.1    38.9    41.2    39.1    41.4
      New Hampshire......    19.1    19.5    19.1    19.3   143.3   147.3   140.9   145.1    28.7    29.2    28.8    29.0
                                                                                                                         
      New Jersey.........   252.6   259.2   254.0   260.6   847.2   867.4   842.3   862.8   233.9   239.9   234.6   240.2
      New Mexico.........    31.6    32.5    31.7    32.7   163.8   166.1   163.3   165.5    31.0    31.1    31.1    31.2
      New York...........   403.1   405.2   404.0   405.7 1,605.3 1,625.7 1,587.1 1,609.4   706.7   714.4   710.4   716.7
      North Carolina.....   167.6   169.5   167.8   169.7   811.6   830.8   810.5   833.7   159.8   169.1   160.8   170.9
      North Dakota.......    18.1    18.2    18.2    18.1    78.9    80.1    78.8    79.9    14.4    15.1    14.4    15.2
                                                                                                                         
      Ohio...............   228.9   231.5   229.0   231.5 1,283.3 1,295.5 1,271.8 1,285.9   278.9   286.9   281.3   287.0
      Oklahoma...........    76.8    80.3    77.2    80.6   316.3   322.1   315.7   321.4    67.9    69.8    68.2    70.0
      Oregon.............    73.3    74.1    73.3    73.6   365.7   376.4   362.9   376.2    92.9    95.6    93.5    96.0
      Pennsylvania.......   275.4   279.3   276.0   279.4 1,197.6 1,204.2 1,184.5 1,197.3   308.5   315.3   308.2   315.7
      Rhode Island.......    15.0    15.2    15.0    15.7    94.4    95.8    94.2    95.6    25.9    26.7    26.1    26.7
                                                                                                                         
      South Carolina.....    73.5    74.9    73.5    75.1   392.5   416.8   393.6   418.0    72.0    75.0    72.5    75.6
      South Dakota.......    16.2    16.0    16.2    16.0    84.7    85.1    84.5    84.6    20.3    21.5    20.3    21.4
      Tennessee..........   145.6   151.0   147.5   150.9   590.5   607.0   590.1   603.8   116.4   122.3   117.3   121.9
      Texas..............   498.8   525.2   498.7   527.5 1,989.8 2,063.1 1,990.0 2,058.6   451.0   470.2   453.1   472.0
      Utah...............    54.7    57.1    54.9    57.4   230.0   238.3   230.6   238.7    51.1    53.3    51.7    53.8
                                                                                                                         
      Vermont............    12.1    12.3    12.0    12.3    64.2    64.5    63.7    64.0    12.1    12.1    12.0    12.0
      Virginia...........   163.1   169.0   163.6   170.2   708.4   722.7   702.9   717.5   164.7   169.3   165.5   169.5
      Washington.........   128.9   133.0   129.5   133.8   584.0   603.3   583.2   601.7   123.8   130.2   124.5   130.9
      West Virginia......    38.1    38.4    38.1    38.3   158.3   160.0   156.8   159.8    27.5    28.0    27.6    27.9
      Wisconsin..........   120.5   122.0   120.7   122.1   586.9   596.1   581.1   591.9   138.4   141.0   138.3   141.1
      Wyoming............    13.7    13.5    13.7    13.5    50.0    50.0    49.5    49.4     7.9     8.1     7.9     8.2
                                                                                                                         
      Puerto Rico........    25.8    26.6    25.9    26.6   197.8   197.4   194.9   193.9    45.6    46.1    45.8    45.5






                                                                                         
                                                                                         
                                      Services                       Government          
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
                              January         February        January         February   
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
                            1997    1998    1997   1998p    1997    1998    1997   1998p 
                                                                                         
                                                                                         
      Alabama............   410.3   429.4   416.2   432.4   345.6   347.9   348.5   349.9
      Alaska.............    60.4    62.8    61.4    63.8    72.6    72.8    74.3    74.2
      Arizona............   574.0   611.7   587.5   623.8   315.0   325.2   330.0   341.1
      Arkansas...........   241.4   251.3   245.8   255.5   181.1   184.0   185.1   187.9
      California......... 3,867.8 4,088.4 3,934.4 4,142.7 2,127.8 2,155.7 2,153.4 2,181.6
                                                                                         
      Colorado...........   573.4   605.8   580.5   608.3   308.0   313.8   316.7   321.8
      Connecticut........   477.3   495.5   482.5   499.9   222.6   222.8   230.6   230.5
      Delaware...........   100.9   107.8   102.2   108.9    52.1    53.1    53.1    53.6
      District of                                                                        
         Columbia........   257.7   259.6   263.7   265.7   234.4   227.5   233.8   226.4
      Florida............ 2,173.8 2,323.5 2,209.2 2,356.7   947.9   964.7   954.8   970.0
                                                                                         
      Georgia............   900.9   954.8   914.5   970.0   572.5   585.2   576.6   588.9
      Hawaii(2)..........   167.0   167.9   168.8   169.3   110.7   111.1   113.6   113.6
      Idaho..............   115.3   118.6   116.1   118.5    97.4    99.4    99.2   101.0
      Illinois........... 1,612.2 1,675.7 1,627.4 1,684.8   792.9   788.5   813.9   814.1
      Indiana............   653.7   683.0   661.4   690.6   389.4   391.2   401.6   403.0
                                                                                         
      Iowa...............   353.4   366.3   358.0   370.3   233.9   236.6   235.7   239.7
      Kansas.............   299.4   320.2   303.3   323.4   233.1   236.8   238.8   242.1
      Kentucky...........   402.5   421.2   407.4   425.6   283.8   289.6   294.5   294.9
      Louisiana..........   483.3   504.9   486.3   507.1   358.3   361.7   363.8   368.5
      Maine..............   147.5   153.8   149.9   156.4    92.3    91.1    95.6    96.0
                                                                                         
      Maryland...........   713.4   741.7   722.0   748.1   410.7   416.2   418.5   422.8
      Massachusetts...... 1,061.5 1,101.0 1,076.4 1,116.1   400.8   406.2   405.1   413.1
      Michigan........... 1,170.1 1,219.2 1,179.8 1,230.8   649.2   652.7   668.4   676.3
      Minnesota..........   671.2   695.3   678.7   703.5   381.7   382.7   387.1   389.1
      Mississippi........   246.6   259.7   250.0   261.6   218.7   220.9   220.3   222.5
                                                                                         
      Missouri...........   697.5   719.3   710.0   732.0   400.8   410.6   415.5   426.5
      Montana............    99.6   103.2   100.1   104.7    77.6    77.4    79.1    78.6
      Nebraska...........   219.5   229.7   223.2   232.6   150.9   151.2   152.2   154.0
      Nevada.............   370.7   383.1   374.4   385.4   102.9   107.4   106.2   111.0
      New Hampshire......   157.1   162.1   158.0   162.8    78.0    77.2    80.7    80.3
                                                                                         
      New Jersey......... 1,115.4 1,166.3 1,127.5 1,174.6   564.5   565.4   572.2   574.6
      New Mexico.........   188.8   195.2   190.5   196.8   171.7   175.0   177.5   181.3
      New York........... 2,589.1 2,676.9 2,628.8 2,717.1 1,360.3 1,358.7 1,385.0 1,378.1
      North Carolina.....   814.4   876.4   826.9   887.0   575.1   596.3   580.7   606.0
      North Dakota.......    84.5    87.2    85.3    88.0    70.8    70.9    72.5    72.8
                                                                                         
      Ohio............... 1,401.8 1,457.7 1,416.5 1,467.7   753.9   761.9   770.6   777.0
      Oklahoma...........   360.1   376.0   365.9   380.9   272.9   278.2   277.8   283.2
      Oregon.............   380.7   400.5   388.1   405.3   249.3   255.2   254.4   259.9
      Pennsylvania....... 1,640.8 1,692.0 1,667.6 1,718.0   707.4   709.2   727.1   728.2
      Rhode Island.......   143.4   147.3   145.3   149.4    62.9    65.6    63.5    66.2
                                                                                         
      South Carolina.....   374.1   394.2   380.0   400.2   298.5   301.6   302.7   306.4
      South Dakota.......    87.3    90.7    88.3    91.4    70.2    70.5    71.1    71.2
      Tennessee..........   645.6   682.6   656.6   685.0   379.6   385.9   385.4   390.3
      Texas.............. 2,264.8 2,420.3 2,302.7 2,451.2 1,465.8 1,490.3 1,491.9 1,515.8
      Utah...............   260.2   272.4   262.9   275.8   170.3   175.3   174.2   179.2
                                                                                         
      Vermont............    83.0    84.9    85.5    87.5    44.4    45.0    47.6    47.3
      Virginia...........   926.7   984.1   935.9   994.7   597.9   597.5   603.6   604.9
      Washington.........   643.3   675.0   655.3   685.7   453.9   457.2   458.6   466.4
      West Virginia......   191.3   199.7   191.9   200.5   137.0   137.0   138.0   138.6
      Wisconsin..........   644.1   676.9   650.6   681.9   381.7   385.7   392.2   396.0
      Wyoming............    45.0    45.3    45.0    45.3    58.2    57.6    58.5    58.1
                                                                                         
      Puerto Rico........   189.6   188.5   192.4   188.8   307.1   299.6   306.8   299.9

       1 Includes mining, not shown separately.
       2 Mining is combined with construction.
       p = preliminary.
      NOTE:   Data are counts of jobs by place of work.  Data have been adjusted to
     reflect March 1997 benchmark levels and updated seasonal adjustment factors. 
     Estimates subsequent to the current benchmark month are provisional and will be
     revised when new information becomes available.