A weak national jobs report and rising gas prices amid the Iran conflict have contributed to a difficult week for both the United States and New Jersey economies, according to a March 9 article. Gas prices in New Jersey increased by nearly 10% over the week, while the state continued to face one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
The situation is significant as it highlights ongoing economic pressures affecting residents and businesses in New Jersey. The state’s job market has shown signs of slowing growth, which could impact household incomes and local economies.
Figures released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics on March 6 showed that the U.S. workforce unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February. While these numbers are national, earlier data from this year indicated that New Jersey added only 9,000 jobs in 2025 and saw its unemployment rate rise to a four-year high of 5.4%. Only California had a higher unemployment rate at 5.5% as of December 2025, based on available data.
New Jersey’s job growth has been declining over several years. The state added nearly 64,200 jobs in 2023 but only managed to add about 39,800 positions in 2024, according to information compiled by the New Jersey Department of Labor. “Things are definitely cooling,” Will Irving, a professor at the New Jersey State Policy Lab at Rutgers University, said to NorthJersey.com in January.
In related news about Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy—which operates as part of Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey—its research centers focus on community development, transportation, health, workforce development and energy policy according to its official website. The school also aims to foster just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and healthy communities at various levels according to its official website.
The Bloustein School has earned national recognition for its programs: third place for its graduate urban planning program and fourth for its undergraduate public health program according to its official website. It has recognized distinguished alumni through its Hall of Fame since 2013 and annual achievement awards dating back to 1994 according to its official website. Stuart Shapiro became dean of the school in 2023 according to its official website.
As economic conditions remain uncertain due to global events like the Iran conflict and persistent local challenges such as slow job growth and high unemployment rates, observers will be watching closely how states like New Jersey respond.