Updated · National Association of Home Builders · Jul 7
U.S. Payrolls Rise 57,000 in June as Unemployment Falls to 4.2% on Labor-Force Drop
Updated
Updated · National Association of Home Builders · Jul 7
U.S. Payrolls Rise 57,000 in June as Unemployment Falls to 4.2% on Labor-Force Drop
3 articles · Updated · National Association of Home Builders · Jul 7
Summary
57,000 jobs were added in June, marking the weakest monthly payroll gain since February’s decline and underscoring a broader loss of labor-market momentum.
4.2% unemployment masked that softness because labor-force participation fell, with both overall and prime-age participation dropping rather than hiring strengthening.
92,000 average monthly job gains so far in 2026 still top 2025’s 10,000 pace but trail 2024’s 122,000, while total employment has risen 506,000 over the past 12 months.
6.2% unemployment among construction workers hit its highest since July 2021 even as construction added 11,000 jobs; residential construction lost 8,600 in June and 48,800 over 12 months.
3.3 million people now work in home building, including 2.4 million specialty trade contractors, showing housing-related employment remains large despite sustained residential weakness.