A recent report revealed that May's job growth represented shrinking unemployment rates in nearly half the country and increased hiring in more than half. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 states reduced their unemployment rates and 36 states brought on more employees.

Unemployment declined overall in every region of the country, but the West maintained the highest rate, at 6.9 percent. The South and Midwest regions had 6.0 percent unemployment last month, the lowest in the nation. 

Among individual states, Rhode Island had the highest unemployment, at 8.2 percent. It was the only state to have more than 8.0 percent unemployment. The lowest rate was seen in North Dakota, which had only 2.6 percent. In 21 states, the jobless rate was found to be significantly lower than the national average of 6.3 percent.

Job growth over the month was largest in Texas, which added 56,400 workers. Pennsylvania filled 24,700 positions and New York gained 23,400. Only Florida, Arizona and South Dakota lost a significant number of jobs.

According to ABC News, two factors contribute to the fact that only 20 states' unemployment shrank while 36 added employees. First, the figures are derived through two separate surveys with different methodologies. Unemployment statistics also only count those who are actively looking for jobs.

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