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District of Columbia

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Payroll employment in the District of Columbia decreased by 5,300 jobs (0.7 percent) in August. The unemployment rate remained elevated at 6.0 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "Labor market conditions in the District of Columbia worsened in August. Payroll employment fell by 5,300 jobs in the month, the labor force contracted slightly, and the unemployment rate remained elevated at 6.0 percent." – Joseph Mengedoth
  • Total payroll employment in the District of Columbia decreased by 5,300 jobs (0.7 percent) in August, on net. The most jobs were lost in the month in government (2,500 jobs), professional and business services (1,400 jobs), and education and health services (1,300 jobs).
  • On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in the District of Columbia was down 8,900 jobs (1.2 percent), on net. Compared to last year, the most jobs were lost in government (7,200 jobs) and professional and business services (4,700 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in the District of Columbia remained elevated at 6.0 percent in August, up from 5.3 percent a year ago.

Housing Market icon showing a picture of a house Housing Market Conditions

  • D.C. issued 461 new residential permits in August 2025, up from the 82 issued in July 2025. This is higher than the 54 permits issued in August 2024.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values depreciated 1.7 percent from Q1 of 2025 to Q2 of 2025. Additionally, home values decreased 3.4 percent from Q2 of 2024 to Q2 of 2025.
Snapshot Resources
  • Term Definitions

    Payroll Employment
    The number of nonfarm jobs (persons on payrolls) according to where those jobs are located.

    Unemployment Rate
    The number of unemployed persons (those not employed but available and searching for work) as a percent of the civilian labor force (the total number of employed plus unemployed persons).

    Industry Structure
    A breakdown of total nonfarm jobs by industry. Percentages sum to 100 percent.

    Industry Growth
    The percentage change in jobs in each industry from a year ago.

    Building Permits
    The number of privately owned single-family and multi-family units authorized in permit-issuing places.

    House Price Index
    A repeat sales index, measuring average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same single-family properties.

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Joseph Mengedoth