Latest Connecticut Employment Data Released, Here's How Stafford Stacks Up

STAFFORD, CT — Connecticut’s unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent in December and total nonfarm employment declined by 500 jobs, according to preliminary data released Monday by the Connecticut Department of Labor. Comparatively, Stafford, as a single municipality, was a bit above the state average.

Here are the statistics for Stafford, based on numbers released through CTDOL's Local Area Unemployment Statistics program:

Stafford

• Labor Force - 6,155
• Employed - 5,870
• Unemployed - 285
• Unemployment Rate - 4.6 percent

Statewide, the jobless rate increased two-tenths of a percentage point from November and was up a full percentage point from December 2024. Total nonfarm employment stood at 1,713,900 jobs, down 2,200 positions from a year earlier.

Connecticut continued to post a lower unemployment rate than the national average, which was 4.4 percent in December, marking the 36th consecutive month the state remained below the U.S. rate.
Private-sector employment fell by 1,000 jobs in December to 1,476,400 and was down 5,400 positions over the year. Government employment rose by 500 jobs during the month to 237,500 and increased by 3,200 positions compared with December 2024, fully recovering from pandemic-era losses.

CTDOL Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said, "There was considerable volatility in 2025 with national issues playing a role in dampening Connecticut’s job growth. Over the past year, Connecticut’s workforce declined; that makes it harder for employers to hire and it reduces retail and services spending. Employers have around 70,000 open jobs in the state."

Among major industry groups, professional and business services recorded the largest monthly gain, adding 700 jobs. Other services rose by 400 jobs, while education and health services increased by 200. Employment was unchanged in the information sector.

Job losses were reported in financial activities, a sector that declined by 700 positions, followed by manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation and utilities, and construction.

Revised and benchmarked data are expected to be released with the January 2026 report.
Here are the complete state statistics: