Employment rates were higher in 13 states in July, but jobless rates remained unchanged in Maryland and Virginia — though both are higher than they were a year ago.

Maryland’s July unemployment rate matched June, at 2.8%. A year ago, Maryland’s unemployment rate was just 1.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Virginia’s July unemployment rate also matched June, at 2.7%, and slightly higher than 2.6% in July of 2023.

State unemployment rates are seasonally adjusted.

Maryland ended July with almost 32,000 more payroll jobs than a year earlier. Virginia’s job base grew by about 24,000 year over year.

South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in July, at 2.0%, followed by Vermont, at 2.1%, and North Dakota, at 2.2%.

When compared to states, the District had the highest July unemployment rate, at 5.5%, followed by Nevada, at 5.4%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics posts monthly state unemployment rates and changes in labor force numbers by state online.