Unemployment rates fell in 37 states and the District of Columbia last month despite the slight rise in the national jobless rate, the government reported Tuesday. Nationally, the labor market has picked up in recent months, with monthly job growth averaging 173,000 the past four months, up from 85,000 the prior four months. Employment gains typically must average 150,000 over a few months to lower the jobless rate. The housing market, retail sales and consumer confidence all have perked up as rising home prices have lifted the outlook and spending of many Americans. To read the full report on employment outlook visit USAToday.