U.S. Unemployment Slightly Rises to 3.8% Due to Housing and Job Issues

The U.S. unemployment increased to 3.8% in August due to rising interest rates and inflation affecting housing and jobs. A study of 200 housing markets showed that nine of the top 10 affected cities are in California, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to these economic changes.

The U.S. unemployment increased to 3.8% in August due to rising interest rates and inflation affecting housing and jobs. (PHOTO: CNN)

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Factors Behind Unemployment Increase and Cities Facing Housing and Job Challenges

The U.S. unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 3.5% in July to 3.8% in August, according to the Department of Labor. This uptick is attributed to factors like rising interest rates, inflation, affordability in housing and jobs opportunities.

In identifying cities facing expensive housing and job scarcity, GOBankingRates analyzed the top 200 housing markets in the U.S. based on data from Zillow.

The study considered factors such as home values and rents in July 2023, unemployment rates, labor force participation rates, and median household incomes. Labor force participation rates indicate the proportion of working-age individuals actively seeking employment or already working.

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California Tops the List of Cities Facing Housing and Job Challenges

Nine out of the top 10 cities feeling these expensive housing and job scarcity problems are in California, with only one in New York. These cities, including San Francisco, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Santa Clarita, and Stockton, exhibit unemployment rates at or above 5% and higher rents, with varying labor force participation rates.

At the top of the list, according to GOBankingRates, is Irvine, California, with a 5.0% unemployment rate, July rent of $3,339, a strong labor force participation rate of 67.7%, and a median income of $140,546.

Stable, affordable housing and job opportunities are vital. When they’re not in balance, it causes problems for individuals and communities. Leaders and individuals must address these issues to ensure everyone can afford housing and employment, regardless of economic conditions.

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