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Merrimack's jobless rate hovers around 5.1 percent, or a percentage point below the state's unemployment rate in March. 

Local unemployment rates are expected to be released later today, April 26, by New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau.

But from what data is already out there, an estimated 810 Merrimack residents are unemployed. Or they report they are, and they are apparently not in a sub-category of discouraged workers or involuntary part-timers.

The fact that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides alternative measures for labor underutilization–and provides estimates for six of those measures–is evidence enough the economy isn't purring along like all would like.

The good news? Employment Security has a chart showing where states rank for unemployment rates. New Hampshire ties Iowa for fifth best, after North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Vermont.

So what do you think: is the country on the right track?