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Hawaii's Unemployment Drops to 2.2%, Second Lowest in U.S.

1/14/2026

Center

Hawaii's Unemployment Drops

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell to 2.2% in November, the second lowest in the United States.
The rate declined from 2.5% in September.
Eugene Tian, a former state economist, attributed the unemployment decline to payroll jobs and self-employment.
Hawaii added 2,800 employed people and the labor force grew by 1,000.
The federal government shutdown prevented October unemployment data from being released.

Right

U.S. Jobs Growth Stalls

The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, below economists' expectations of 60,000.
The unemployment rate was revised to 4.4% from an initial reading of 4.6%.
Job losses occurred in warehouse clubs, supercenters, and food retailers, while healthcare and food services added jobs.
The labor force participation rate held at 62.4%.
Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates unchanged, with a 97.2% probability of maintaining the 3.5% to 3.75% target range, even as the economic outlook remains uncertain with divided opinions on monetary support.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession, triggered by the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, officially lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, peaking U.S. unemployment at 10% in October 2009. Over 8 million jobs were lost, with recovery taking years. Today, low unemployment rates reflect a gradual recovery, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance among policymakers to sustain economic stability and address vulnerabilities.

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Hawaii's Unemployment Drops

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell to 2.2% in November, the second lowest in the United States.
The rate declined from 2.5% in September.
Eugene Tian, a former state economist, attributed the unemployment decline to payroll jobs and self-employment.
Hawaii added 2,800 employed people and the labor force grew by 1,000.
The federal government shutdown prevented October unemployment data from being released.

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