Unemployment Claims Decline in Multiple US States Amid Stable Labor Market

Initial unemployment claims across several states showed mixed but generally stable trends in late July 2025, reflecting a steady labor market with low layoff activity. Illinois reported a decrease in new claims to 10,141, down from 10,762 the previous week, while Ohio saw a slight decline to 5,081 initial claims. Nationally, jobless claims edged up by only 1,000 to 218,000, remaining well below the May and June averages and below economists' expectations. Arkansas and Utah also experienced declines in new claims, with Arkansas dropping to 1,345 and Utah to 1,396. Kentucky experienced the largest percentage increase in claims, rising sharply by 164.9%, whereas Mississippi and Vermont saw significant declines and increases, respectively. Ohio's unemployment rate in June stood at 4.9%, above the national rate of 4.1%, with labor force participation rates close to the national average.