DC amongst the highest unemployment rate, Maryland and Virginia tie

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The unemployment rate across the country has reached new heights in comparison to previous years, with D.C. recording a jobless rate of 5.3%.

Maryland's jobless rate is tied with Virginia's at 3% for January 2025. Both were higher than just a year ago.

Virginia’s January unemployment rate was up from 2.9% in December, and up from 2.8% a year earlier.

Despite Maryland’s 3.0% unemployment rate, it was down from 3.1% in December, and up compared to 2.7% a year earlier. 

Over five states across the country with a jobless rate of 5% or more in January 2025. 

It's not clear how many of those new claims are coming directly from federal workers. 

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Unemployment insurance claims rise across DMV as federal layoffs continue

Unemployment insurance claims have risen in the D.C. region as the White House and Department of Government Efficiency continue to lay off federal workers. Area officials are bracing for the impact, but the extent remains unclear.

Local job fairs aim to assist affected federal workers

What we know:

The Federal Employee Career Transition & Resource Fair recently held a job fair for recently laid-off federal employees at The Hotel at the University of Maryland.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore launched a Maryland Public Servants Resource website recently. 

The state labor secretary says they have seen increased traffic and participation in weekly workshops. The state's labor department is also working on job fairs, collaborating with state and county/city-level employers.