Honolulu’s unemployment rate rose to 5.5 percent in August from 5.4 percent in July, causing the city to lose ground in a ranking of metropolitan areas with the nation’s lowest jobless rates, according to a report released today.

Honolulu had the 21st lowest unemployment rate in August out of 372 metropolitan areas surveyed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. That was down from 15th lowest in July.

Honolulu was one of 103 metro areas where the unemployment rate rose in August from July. The jobless rate fell in 237 metro areas and was unchanged in 32.
Metro unemployment rates are not adjusted for seasonal changes, such as students leaving the workforce when they return to school in August and September.

Honolulu’s July unadjusted jobless rate compared with rates of 9.6 percent for Hawaii County, 8.6 percent for Kauai County and 7.5 percent for Maui County. The statewide unadjusted rate was 6.5 percent in August. When adjusted for seasonal factors the statewide rate was 6.2 percent.