California tends to lead the Nation in many ways – lately we are near the top as it applies to unemployment.  Unemployment went from 6.8% in May 2008 to 11.5% in May 2009.  The only states / areas with higher unemployment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistices are:

Puerto Rico at 14.4%

Michigan at 14.1%

Oregon at 12.4%

Rhode Island & South Carolina at 12.1%

Californa at 11.5%

Nevada at 11.3%

North Carolina at 11.1%

With the following States also having 10% or more unemployment: Washington D.C. (10.7%); Florida (10.2%); Illinois (10.1%); Indians (10.6%); Kentucky (10.6%); Ohio (10.8%); Tennessee (10.7%)

The National Unemployument Rate in May 2009 was: 9.4%, up from 5.5% in May 2008.

Beverly A. Bayer, SRA – Moreno Valley, CA: Real Estate Appraiser