RI Led The Nation In Unemployment Recovery Last Week: WalletHub

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island saw the fastest unemployment claim recovery in the last week, according to new data from WalletHub.

Unemployment soared in Rhode Island during the coronavirus pandemic as the stay-at-home order shuttered all nonessential businesses and forced restaurants to shift to a takeout-only model. As the state began the phased reopening process, more and more residents returned to work.

That return meant Rhode Island led the nation in terms of recovery last week. Nearby Massachusetts, meanwhile, ranked 23 in the country, while New Hampshire ranked a dismal 46.

Compared to this time last year, 123.18 percent more claims were filed in the past week. While this number may seem high, it's the second-best in the country, behind Delaware. The state is also second best when comparing the past week's unemployment claims to the beginning of the year. Last week, 2,571 claims were filed in Rhode Island, compared to 1,972 the week of Jan. 1, or a change of 30.38 percent.

Rhode Island's recovery ranking falls slightly when examining the coronavirus pandemic holistically, compared to this time last year. In this category, the state ranks 16.

Here's a look at the top 10 state for unemployment recovery in the past week, according to WalletHub.

1. Rhode Island
2. Pennsylvania
3. Delaware
4. New Jersey
5. Idaho
6. Connecticut
7. Michigan
8. Wyoming
9. Montana
10. Idaho

The full report is available on WalletHub's website.