The Lowest Unemployment Rate in New York Is in the Hudson Valley

The New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) has released the latest unemployment numbers for New York... and there's some great news for Hudson Valley residents.

While some counties in the Empire State are struggling with unemployment numbers as high as 7.8% (Bronx County) and 6.5% (Kings County), the outlook is brighter a little closer to home.

Unemployment Rates in Ulster County, NY

The highest unemployment rate in the Hudson Valley so far this year is in Ulster County, NY, up from 3.4% in July 2023 to 4.1% in July 2024. While unemployment rates rose  across the Hudson Valley, numbers were still lower in neighboring counties.

Unemployment Rates in Dutchess and Orange County, NY

Dutchess and Orange Counties were tied with an estimated unemployment rate of 3.9%, with nearly identical rises from July 2023 of 0.6% and 0.5% respectively. Putnam County followed closely with a current estimated unemployment rate of 3.9%. The lowest unemployment rate is a little further north.

The Lowest Unemployment Rate in the Hudson Valley

The lowest estimated unemployment rate in the Hudson Valley is in Columbia County at 3.2%. Columbia County also had one of the smallest unemployment increases, up just 0.3% from 2.9% in July 2023.

The Lowest Unemployment Rate in New York State

Columbia County's unemployment statistics are not only the lowest in the Hudson Valley, but the lowest in the entirety of New York State as well, tying Yates County in western New York.

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While rising unemployment rates may be intimidating, the silver lining is that despite the common sentiment in the Hudson Valley that major costs such as home ownership is still increasing, the reality is actually much more positive. Take a look at some of the more staggering Hudson Valley fantasy houses below.