New numbers released by the state Department of Labor on Tuesday show New York City's jobless rate continues to lag the rest of the state more than two years since the start of the COVID pandemic. 

The numbers show all boroughs of New York City with an unemployment rate of at least 5% in July. Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn all show jobless rates of at least 6%. The highest jobless rate is in the Bronx at 9.1%, the Department of Labor reported. 

The rates stand in stark contrast to most of the rest of New York, where the unemployment rate has recovered since the initial closure of businesses, schools and public gathering spaces. 

Outside of New York City, the jobless rate in July stood at 3.1%; New York City's remains above 6.1%. The national average is 3.5%. 

New York City's economic health is vital to the rest of the state and the country as a whole. It remains a key economic engine for finance and tourism, and the biggest driver of tax revenue. 

Statewide, the jobless rate has remained unchanged overall at 4.4% from June to July.