Unemployment rises in 24 states

Nearly half of all U.S. states reported rising unemployment rates in March, the government said Friday, with rates above the national average in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

On an annual basis, jobless rates increased in 44 states and D.C. in March. That's down from a total of 46 states in February.

The Labor Department said earlier this month that the nation's economy gained 162,000 jobs in March. But the national unemployment rate held steady at 9.7% for the third month in a row.

Many economists and policymakers expect the nationwide jobless rate to remain elevated for some time to come, even as job growth slowly resumes.

While 11 states recorded jobless rates above the national average, there were 24 states that posted rates below the national figure in March.

In a continuing trend, Michigan's 14.1% jobless rate in March was the highest rate in the nation. Nevada, at 13.4%, had the second highest rate. California, Rhode Island and Florida suffered unemployment rates above 12%.

Jobless rates in California, Florida, Nevada and Georgia all set record highs during March.

North Dakota continued to have the lowest jobless rate in March. The state's 4% rate was followed by South Dakota's 4.8% and Nebraska's 5% unemployment rates.