Nine States and DC Post Job Losses Through September 2026
New labor data highlights a divergence in workforce trends across the United States over the past year.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Employment
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Nine states and the District of Columbia experienced declines in total nonfarm jobs during the 12-month period ending in September 2026. Conversely, regions like South Carolina, Louisiana, and Nevada recorded significant workforce growth.
Why it matters
The regional disparities in employment reflect localized shifts in economic activity, ranging from federal staffing adjustments in the nation's capital to industrial expansion in the South. Understanding these trends helps identify which sectors and regions are driving national labor fluctuations.
Official labor statistics show the District of Columbia lost 25,800 jobs, a 3.5% decline, while Montana lost 5,300 jobs, a 1% drop. In contrast, South Carolina gained 55,200 jobs, Louisiana added 36,000, and Nevada grew by 25,300.
The players
Scout Motors
This automotive company is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group and is developing an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in South Carolina.
The details
Job losses in the District of Columbia were primarily driven by federal workforce cuts, while growth in South Carolina was bolstered by construction, health care, and automotive manufacturing. Car parts production ramped up in the state specifically to supply a planned Scout Motors factory.
Timeline
The 12-month labor statistics period concluded in September 2026.
Montana previously experienced a period of job loss in 2020.
Macro View
Current employment data reflects regional divergences that echo the volatility observed during the 2020 economic downturn. These figures highlight how specific state economies move independently of broader national trends depending on their reliance on federal or private industrial sectors.
Readers in regions with high job losses may face increased competition for local employment and reduced local economic activity. Conversely, areas with job growth, particularly in sectors like construction and health care, may see rising demand for services and housing.
The takeaway
Economic health is highly localized, meaning national averages often mask significant variation in regional job security. Staying informed about local industrial developments can help residents better anticipate shifts in their own job markets.
Further reading
For a deeper look at national labor trends, explore the United States Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stateline.
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