The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, but remained at levels consistent with a healthy labor market.

The number of Americans who filed for initial jobless benefits rose last week, according to the Department of Labor, but remained within the range that has become typical in recent months. The week through Jan.

Weekly jobless claims in the United States have fallen to an 11-month low, signaling a resilient labor market even as hiring activity slows.

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, pointing to a stable labor market at the start of the year though some laid-off workers are experiencing difficulties finding new jobs.

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Maryland rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 2,933 in the week ending January 11, up from 2,665 the week before, the Labor Department said.

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Illinois dropped last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 13,341 in the week ending January 3, down from 16,722 the week before, the Labor Department said.

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Florida rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 4,817 in the week ending January 3, up from 3,475 the week before, the Labor Department said.

Initial jobless claims rose by 14,000 to 217,000 in the week ending Jan. 11, in part due to a spike in claims from wildfire-ravaged California, the Labor Department said Thursday. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had estimated new claims would rise by 9,