Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index Indicates Employment Growth Rebound - Seite 2

Regional Employment
With a strong one-month growth rate, the South Atlantic hit a record level in June at 101.96 to claim the top spot among regions. At 101.79, East South Central fell to second place among regions, despite gaining 0.06 percent from the previous month. New England improved 0.27 percent from May, but closed the second quarter down -0.19 percent. The Middle Atlantic improved to 100.59 with the strongest one-month growth rate, up 0.32 percent. At 99.94, the West South Central index remained below 100 after falling below 100 in May for the first time in six years. In fact, both West Central regions are below 100 and down more than one percent from last year.

State Employment Trend
Washington increased its lead among states, gaining 0.13 percent from May to June to bring its index level to 104.50. With Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina following Washington, the next four states in the top five are all located in the South Atlantic. Virginia increased 0.79 percent in June, with an index now at 102.46, an eleven-year high. Neighboring Maryland also had a strong month, gaining 0.89 percent to bring its index back over 100 for the time in a year. At 101.24, New Jersey is up 0.24 percent from May to June and 2.38 percent from the previous year, the best 12-month growth rate among states. With a sizable increase in Houston and an increase in Dallas, Texas, at 101.36, recovered slightly in June after hitting a five-year low in May.

Note: Analysis is provided for the 20 largest states based on U.S. population.

Metropolitan Employment Trend
At 104.96, Seattle was essentially unchanged and remains the top-ranked metro index. The Washington D.C. metro was up 0.51 percent from May to June, its ninth straight monthly increase. Similarly, the BLS reports large job gains this spring for the Washington D.C. metro area. At 102.58, Atlanta slipped 0.33 percent from the previous month, yet remains up 0.95 percent during the past quarter with significant increases in April and May. Baltimore gained 1.19 percent from May to June as its index climbed back over 100 for the first time in a year. Increasing to 101.09, Minneapolis is up 2.69 percent through the first half of 2016. With the best 12-month growth rate, 1.80 percent, the New York City metro had its eighth consecutive increase in June.