Press Herald - The unemployment rate in Maine is on a historic run, and the state’s metropolitan areas have some of the lowest jobless rates in the nation, according to recent federal data.
Among 387 metro areas in the country analyzed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in June, the Portland-South Portland area had the third-lowest unemployment rate at 2.2%. Only two metro areas — Sioux Falls and Rapid City, both in South Dakota — had lower rates.
Lewiston-Auburn tied for 19th with a 2.9% unemployment rate, and the Bangor region tied for 28th at 3.0%.
The drivers of low jobless rates in these areas are distinct. Experts say housing development has given Lewiston-Auburn a boost, Bangor is seeing an increase in tourist traffic, and the life sciences industry has been flocking to Portland.