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Nebraska Job Market Cools: Youth Unemployment Soars to 13%

9/30/2025

35 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nebraska's labor market is cooling: unemployment up and openings at 1.5 per unemployed.
Unemployment among youth rises to 13% (under 18) and 9% (ages 19–22), older rates lower.
Nebraska job growth slows to 0.7% in the first half of 2024, with declines in goods-producing sectors.
In Northeast Michigan, unemployment falls to 6.4%, but openings remain hindered by wages and housing.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 U.S. recession, triggered by the housing market collapse, led to a peak unemployment rate of 10% and youth unemployment reaching 19.6%. This economic downturn highlighted vulnerabilities in the job market, particularly for young workers. Today, Nebraska's youth unemployment stands at 13%, underscoring the ongoing challenges in job creation and the need for targeted policies to stimulate economic growth.

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Story summary

Nebraska's labor market is cooling: unemployment up and openings at 1.5 per unemployed.
Unemployment among youth rises to 13% (under 18) and 9% (ages 19–22), older rates lower.
Nebraska job growth slows to 0.7% in the first half of 2024, with declines in goods-producing sectors.
In Northeast Michigan, unemployment falls to 6.4%, but openings remain hindered by wages and housing.

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