Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Portsmouth, NH-ME market rose by 162 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Portsmouth, NH-ME unemployment rate is 295 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 7.4% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Portsmouth, NH-ME Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,300; -200
  • Government: 14,500; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 14,000; +200
  • Business Services: 13,700; +300
  • Manufacturing: 9,200; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 8,300; no change
  • Financial Services: 5,400; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 2,800; no change
  • Other Jobs: 2,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,000; no change
Portsmouth, NH-ME Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.