
Data as of December 1, 2009
Unemployment rates are predicted to remain at relatively high levels. In 2009, unemployment rates increased in all states from 2008 levels and were far above historical averages. The average increase was 2.1 percentage points. In 2010, unemployment rates will increase slightly in Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota, remain level in South Dakota, and decrease somewhat in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. As in 2009, unemployment rates in 2010 will exceed historical averages.