Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Each month the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program estimates the number of New Hampshire residents who are either employed or unemployed, and the unemployment rate for the state of New Hampshire. Additionally, the LAUS program calculates the unemployment rate for labor market areas, counties, cities and towns. These data are used by private businesses, planners, researchers and government agencies to identify geographic areas that may provide opportunities for economic development.

LAUS estimates of employment and unemployment are based on data collected from the Current Population Survey (CPS); a household survey conducted every month by the U.S. Census Bureau. The CPS is designed to not only include paid employees and those who have lost their jobs; but also self-employed persons, persons who work in family businesses, persons who are new or returning to the labor force and those who are unable to collect unemployment insurance benefits. The unemployment rate is not based on claims for unemployment insurance benefits, as not all unemployed persons are eligible to make claims for benefits and not all claimants are unemployed.

Labor Force & Unemployment (LAUS)