KEENE, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security has announced the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2023, and it’s the lowest ever recorded in state history.

In a news release, the department said the seasonally adjusted rate for May 2023 is at 1.9%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from April 2023. The May 2022 rate was at 2.2%.

“Seasonally adjusted New Hampshire nonfarm employment for May 2023 was 701,500. This was 2,200 more jobs than in April 2023 and 17,500 more jobs than in May 2022. Private industry accounted for 614,700 of these jobs in May 2023; 2,100 more jobs than in April 2023 and 16,700 more jobs than in May 2022,” the release notes.

Following the news, Governor Chris Sununu issued a statement, praising the state heading into the summer tourism season.

“New Hampshire’s economy is heating up just in time for the summer season,” said  Sununu. “With a #1 ranking for economic opportunity, record low unemployment, and no sales or income tax, New Hampshire is far and away the top state for families, employees, and businesses!”

Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2023 was 3.7%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from April, and 0.1 percentage point from May 2022.