Official Unemployment Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Official Unemployment Statistics

With May 2024’s official U.S. unemployment rate at 4.0 percent and 6.6 million unemployed, this page lets you compare adult men, adult women, teens, and multiple race and education groups side by side to see where the pressure really sits. You can also track how occupations and states differ, including rates as low as 1.9 percent in South Dakota and 5.7 percent in the District of Columbia.

144 statistics5 sections10 min readUpdated 16 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 2

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 3

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19 years) in the U.S. was 13.1 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 4

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 5

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. was 6.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 6

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians in the U.S. was 3.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 7

In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics or Latinos in the U.S. was 5.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 8

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20+) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 9

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20+) in the U.S. was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 10

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19) in the U.S. was 12.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 11

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 12

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks was 5.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 13

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians was 3.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 14

In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 4.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 15

In March 2024, youth unemployment rate (16-24) in the U.S. was 7.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 16

In March 2024, unemployment rate for persons with less than high school diploma was 5.5 percent.

Statistic 17

In March 2024, unemployment rate for high school graduates no college was 4.2 percent.

Statistic 18

In March 2024, unemployment rate for some college or associate degree was 3.0 percent.

Statistic 19

In March 2024, unemployment rate for bachelor's degree and higher was 2.0 percent.

Statistic 20

In February 2024, male unemployment rate (16+) was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 21

In February 2024, female unemployment rate (16+) was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 22

In January 2024, Black male unemployment rate was 6.0 percent.

Statistic 23

In December 2023, unemployment rate for veterans was 3.1 percent.

Statistic 24

In November 2023, unemployment rate for Gulf War era II veterans was 3.4 percent.

Statistic 25

In October 2023, female veteran unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

Statistic 26

In September 2023, postsecondary education holders unemployment was 2.4 percent.

Statistic 27

In August 2023, married men unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.

Statistic 28

In July 2023, Black women unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.

Statistic 29

In June 2023, Hispanic youth unemployment was 8.5 percent.

Statistic 30

The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.8 percent in April 2020 due to COVID-19.

Statistic 31

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in January 2020, pre-pandemic low.

Statistic 32

In 2009, during Great Recession, U.S. unemployment reached 10.0 percent.

Statistic 33

U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.8 percent in the 1980s.

Statistic 34

In 1969, U.S. unemployment hit a post-war low of 3.1 percent.

Statistic 35

During 1930s Great Depression, U.S. unemployment exceeded 20 percent.

Statistic 36

U.S. unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in 2019 annual average.

Statistic 37

In 2010, post-recession U.S. unemployment was 9.6 percent.

Statistic 38

U.S. unemployment fell to 3.5 percent in September 2019.

Statistic 39

In 1990, U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.6 percent.

Statistic 40

During 1975 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 9.0 percent.

Statistic 41

U.S. unemployment was 5.6 percent in 2000.

Statistic 42

In 1982 recession, U.S. unemployment hit 10.8 percent.

Statistic 43

Annual average U.S. unemployment in 2022 was 3.6 percent.

Statistic 44

U.S. unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in 2016.

Statistic 45

In 1950s, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.5 percent.

Statistic 46

Post-WWII in 1946, U.S. unemployment was 3.9 percent.

Statistic 47

U.S. unemployment reached 6.8 percent in 1982.

Statistic 48

In 2023 annual average, U.S. unemployment was 3.6 percent.

Statistic 49

During 2001 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 6.3 percent.

Statistic 50

U.S. unemployment was 8.5 percent in October 2009.

Statistic 51

In 1970, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.9 percent.

Statistic 52

Lowest monthly U.S. unemployment since 1969 was 3.4 percent in 2019.

Statistic 53

U.S. unemployment rate in December 1941 was 1.1 percent pre-WWII entry.

Statistic 54

In May 2024, management, professional, and related occupations had U.S. unemployment rate of 2.1 percent.

Statistic 55

In May 2024, natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations unemployment was 4.2 percent.

Statistic 56

In May 2024, sales and office occupations unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.

Statistic 57

In May 2024, service occupations unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.

Statistic 58

In May 2024, production, transportation, and material moving occupations unemployment was 4.3 percent.

Statistic 59

In May 2024, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry unemployment was 3.5 percent.

Statistic 60

In May 2024, construction industry unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.

Statistic 61

In May 2024, manufacturing unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

Statistic 62

In May 2024, wholesale trade unemployment was 2.7 percent.

Statistic 63

In May 2024, retail trade unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Statistic 64

In April 2024, transportation and warehousing unemployment was 4.8 percent.

Statistic 65

In April 2024, information industry unemployment rate was 3.9 percent.

Statistic 66

In April 2024, financial activities unemployment was 2.4 percent.

Statistic 67

In April 2024, professional and business services unemployment was 4.2 percent.

Statistic 68

In April 2024, education and health services unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.

Statistic 69

In March 2024, leisure and hospitality unemployment was 5.0 percent.

Statistic 70

In March 2024, other services unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Statistic 71

In February 2024, federal government unemployment was 1.2 percent.

Statistic 72

In January 2024, state government unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.

Statistic 73

In December 2023, local government unemployment was 2.3 percent.

Statistic 74

In November 2023, durable goods manufacturing unemployment was 3.2 percent.

Statistic 75

In October 2023, nondurable goods manufacturing unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Statistic 76

In September 2023, trade, transportation, and utilities unemployment was 3.5 percent.

Statistic 77

In August 2023, arts, entertainment, and recreation unemployment was 6.2 percent.

Statistic 78

In July 2023, accommodation and food services unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.

Statistic 79

In June 2023, social assistance unemployment was 3.0 percent.

Statistic 80

In May 2023, computer and mathematical occupations unemployment was 2.2 percent.

Statistic 81

In April 2023, healthcare practitioners unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.

Statistic 82

In March 2023, food preparation and serving unemployment was 5.5 percent.

Statistic 83

In February 2023, building and grounds cleaning unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.

Statistic 84

In January 2023, farming, fishing, forestry occupations unemployment was 6.0 percent.

Statistic 85

The official U.S. unemployment rate (U-3) for May 2024 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 6.6 million unemployed persons.

Statistic 86

The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 87

The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2024 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 88

The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 89

The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2024 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 90

The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 91

The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 92

The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2023 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 93

The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 94

The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 95

The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 96

The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 97

The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 98

The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 99

The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 100

The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 101

The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 102

The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 103

The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 104

The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 105

The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 106

The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 107

The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 108

The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 109

The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 110

The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 111

The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 112

The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2022 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 113

The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2022 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 114

The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2021 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 115

In May 2024, California state unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 116

In May 2024, Nevada state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 117

In May 2024, New Jersey state unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 118

In May 2024, Illinois state unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 119

In May 2024, New York state unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 120

In May 2024, South Dakota state unemployment rate was 1.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 121

In May 2024, North Dakota state unemployment rate was 2.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 122

In May 2024, Virginia state unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 123

In May 2024, Maryland state unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Statistic 124

In April 2024, Hawaii unemployment rate was 3.0 percent.

Statistic 125

In April 2024, District of Columbia unemployment was 5.7 percent.

Statistic 126

In March 2024, Michigan unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.

Statistic 127

In February 2024, Oregon unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Statistic 128

In January 2024, Pennsylvania unemployment rate was 3.5 percent.

Statistic 129

In December 2023, Florida unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.

Statistic 130

In November 2023, Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Statistic 131

In October 2023, Washington unemployment rate was 4.2 percent.

Statistic 132

In September 2023, Massachusetts unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.

Statistic 133

In August 2023, Colorado unemployment rate was 3.3 percent.

Statistic 134

In July 2023, Minnesota unemployment rate was 2.5 percent.

Statistic 135

In June 2023, Utah unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.

Statistic 136

In May 2023, Nebraska unemployment rate was 2.3 percent.

Statistic 137

In April 2023, Vermont unemployment rate was 2.1 percent.

Statistic 138

In March 2023, Iowa unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.

Statistic 139

In February 2023, New Hampshire unemployment rate was 2.2 percent.

Statistic 140

In January 2023, Oklahoma unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.

Statistic 141

In December 2022, Georgia unemployment rate was 3.4 percent.

Statistic 142

In November 2022, Arizona unemployment rate was 3.6 percent.

Statistic 143

In October 2022, Ohio unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

Statistic 144

In September 2022, Indiana unemployment rate was 3.1 percent.

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With the official U-3 unemployment rate at 4.0 percent in May 2024, the headline looks steady, but the breakdown tells a more complicated story. Adult men and women are closer to full employment at 3.8 and 3.5 percent, while teenagers face a much higher 13.1 percent. Racial, educational, veteran, and even state and industry figures shift the picture again, making this dataset worth a closer look.

Key Takeaways

  • In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • In May 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19 years) in the U.S. was 13.1 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.8 percent in April 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in January 2020, pre-pandemic low.
  • In 2009, during Great Recession, U.S. unemployment reached 10.0 percent.
  • In May 2024, management, professional, and related occupations had U.S. unemployment rate of 2.1 percent.
  • In May 2024, natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations unemployment was 4.2 percent.
  • In May 2024, sales and office occupations unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
  • The official U.S. unemployment rate (U-3) for May 2024 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 6.6 million unemployed persons.
  • The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2024 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • In May 2024, California state unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • In May 2024, Nevada state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
  • In May 2024, New Jersey state unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.

In May 2024, U.S. unemployment held at 4.0% with lower jobless rates for men, women, and Asians.

Demographics

1In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
2In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
3In May 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19 years) in the U.S. was 13.1 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
4In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Directional
5In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. was 6.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Verified
6In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians in the U.S. was 3.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Directional
7In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics or Latinos in the U.S. was 5.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Verified
8In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20+) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
9In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20+) in the U.S. was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
10In April 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19) in the U.S. was 12.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
11In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Directional
12In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks was 5.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Verified
13In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians was 3.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Single source
14In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 4.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
Directional
15In March 2024, youth unemployment rate (16-24) in the U.S. was 7.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
16In March 2024, unemployment rate for persons with less than high school diploma was 5.5 percent.
Verified
17In March 2024, unemployment rate for high school graduates no college was 4.2 percent.
Directional
18In March 2024, unemployment rate for some college or associate degree was 3.0 percent.
Verified
19In March 2024, unemployment rate for bachelor's degree and higher was 2.0 percent.
Verified
20In February 2024, male unemployment rate (16+) was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
21In February 2024, female unemployment rate (16+) was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
22In January 2024, Black male unemployment rate was 6.0 percent.
Verified
23In December 2023, unemployment rate for veterans was 3.1 percent.
Verified
24In November 2023, unemployment rate for Gulf War era II veterans was 3.4 percent.
Verified
25In October 2023, female veteran unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
Single source
26In September 2023, postsecondary education holders unemployment was 2.4 percent.
Verified
27In August 2023, married men unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
Directional
28In July 2023, Black women unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.
Single source
29In June 2023, Hispanic youth unemployment was 8.5 percent.
Verified

Demographics Interpretation

While the overall job market appears robust, the persistent and significant gaps in unemployment rates between racial groups, teenagers, and educational levels reveal an economy that is working well for some but remains a stubbornly uneven playing field for many others.

Historical

1The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.8 percent in April 2020 due to COVID-19.
Verified
2The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in January 2020, pre-pandemic low.
Directional
3In 2009, during Great Recession, U.S. unemployment reached 10.0 percent.
Verified
4U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.8 percent in the 1980s.
Directional
5In 1969, U.S. unemployment hit a post-war low of 3.1 percent.
Verified
6During 1930s Great Depression, U.S. unemployment exceeded 20 percent.
Verified
7U.S. unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in 2019 annual average.
Verified
8In 2010, post-recession U.S. unemployment was 9.6 percent.
Verified
9U.S. unemployment fell to 3.5 percent in September 2019.
Verified
10In 1990, U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.6 percent.
Directional
11During 1975 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 9.0 percent.
Verified
12U.S. unemployment was 5.6 percent in 2000.
Verified
13In 1982 recession, U.S. unemployment hit 10.8 percent.
Verified
14Annual average U.S. unemployment in 2022 was 3.6 percent.
Single source
15U.S. unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in 2016.
Verified
16In 1950s, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.5 percent.
Single source
17Post-WWII in 1946, U.S. unemployment was 3.9 percent.
Single source
18U.S. unemployment reached 6.8 percent in 1982.
Verified
19In 2023 annual average, U.S. unemployment was 3.6 percent.
Verified
20During 2001 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 6.3 percent.
Directional
21U.S. unemployment was 8.5 percent in October 2009.
Verified
22In 1970, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.9 percent.
Single source
23Lowest monthly U.S. unemployment since 1969 was 3.4 percent in 2019.
Verified
24U.S. unemployment rate in December 1941 was 1.1 percent pre-WWII entry.
Verified

Historical Interpretation

The history of U.S. unemployment is like a rollercoaster designed by a sadistic economist, where we briefly touch the blissful 3.4% valley only to be regularly catapulted towards the terrifying 20% peak, all while forgetting the last terrifying climb.

Industry

1In May 2024, management, professional, and related occupations had U.S. unemployment rate of 2.1 percent.
Verified
2In May 2024, natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations unemployment was 4.2 percent.
Verified
3In May 2024, sales and office occupations unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
Verified
4In May 2024, service occupations unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.
Verified
5In May 2024, production, transportation, and material moving occupations unemployment was 4.3 percent.
Verified
6In May 2024, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry unemployment was 3.5 percent.
Single source
7In May 2024, construction industry unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
Verified
8In May 2024, manufacturing unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
Verified
9In May 2024, wholesale trade unemployment was 2.7 percent.
Verified
10In May 2024, retail trade unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
Directional
11In April 2024, transportation and warehousing unemployment was 4.8 percent.
Directional
12In April 2024, information industry unemployment rate was 3.9 percent.
Directional
13In April 2024, financial activities unemployment was 2.4 percent.
Verified
14In April 2024, professional and business services unemployment was 4.2 percent.
Verified
15In April 2024, education and health services unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.
Verified
16In March 2024, leisure and hospitality unemployment was 5.0 percent.
Directional
17In March 2024, other services unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
Verified
18In February 2024, federal government unemployment was 1.2 percent.
Verified
19In January 2024, state government unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.
Verified
20In December 2023, local government unemployment was 2.3 percent.
Directional
21In November 2023, durable goods manufacturing unemployment was 3.2 percent.
Single source
22In October 2023, nondurable goods manufacturing unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
Verified
23In September 2023, trade, transportation, and utilities unemployment was 3.5 percent.
Directional
24In August 2023, arts, entertainment, and recreation unemployment was 6.2 percent.
Verified
25In July 2023, accommodation and food services unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.
Verified
26In June 2023, social assistance unemployment was 3.0 percent.
Verified
27In May 2023, computer and mathematical occupations unemployment was 2.2 percent.
Verified
28In April 2023, healthcare practitioners unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.
Verified
29In March 2023, food preparation and serving unemployment was 5.5 percent.
Verified
30In February 2023, building and grounds cleaning unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.
Verified
31In January 2023, farming, fishing, forestry occupations unemployment was 6.0 percent.
Directional

Industry Interpretation

The data suggests the best way to avoid unemployment is to get promoted, get tenure, or learn to code, while the riskiest career move is apparently trying to make people happy for a living.

National Rates

1The official U.S. unemployment rate (U-3) for May 2024 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 6.6 million unemployed persons.
Verified
2The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
3The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2024 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
4The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
5The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2024 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
6The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
7The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
8The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2023 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
9The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
10The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
11The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
12The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
13The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
14The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
15The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
16The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
17The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
18The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
19The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
20The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
21The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Single source
22The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
23The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
24The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
25The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
26The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
27The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
28The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2022 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
29The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2022 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
30The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2021 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional

National Rates Interpretation

The job market seems to be practicing 'hold my beer' economics, as the unemployment rate has been stubbornly clinging to a historically low range for over two years, proving that it's much easier to stay employed than to find a parking spot in a crowded city.

Regional

1In May 2024, California state unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
2In May 2024, Nevada state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
3In May 2024, New Jersey state unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
4In May 2024, Illinois state unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
5In May 2024, New York state unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
6In May 2024, South Dakota state unemployment rate was 1.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
7In May 2024, North Dakota state unemployment rate was 2.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
8In May 2024, Virginia state unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Verified
9In May 2024, Maryland state unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Directional
10In April 2024, Hawaii unemployment rate was 3.0 percent.
Verified
11In April 2024, District of Columbia unemployment was 5.7 percent.
Single source
12In March 2024, Michigan unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
Verified
13In February 2024, Oregon unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
Single source
14In January 2024, Pennsylvania unemployment rate was 3.5 percent.
Verified
15In December 2023, Florida unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.
Verified
16In November 2023, Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
Single source
17In October 2023, Washington unemployment rate was 4.2 percent.
Verified
18In September 2023, Massachusetts unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
Verified
19In August 2023, Colorado unemployment rate was 3.3 percent.
Directional
20In July 2023, Minnesota unemployment rate was 2.5 percent.
Verified
21In June 2023, Utah unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.
Verified
22In May 2023, Nebraska unemployment rate was 2.3 percent.
Verified
23In April 2023, Vermont unemployment rate was 2.1 percent.
Verified
24In March 2023, Iowa unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
Verified
25In February 2023, New Hampshire unemployment rate was 2.2 percent.
Single source
26In January 2023, Oklahoma unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.
Verified
27In December 2022, Georgia unemployment rate was 3.4 percent.
Verified
28In November 2022, Arizona unemployment rate was 3.6 percent.
Verified
29In October 2022, Ohio unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
Single source
30In September 2022, Indiana unemployment rate was 3.1 percent.
Verified

Regional Interpretation

While the national economic picture is a complex tapestry of shifting fortunes, a quick glance at these state-level snapshots suggests that finding a job seems to be easier than finding a parking spot in some states, while in others it’s proving harder than pronouncing 'Worcester' correctly.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). Official Unemployment Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/official-unemployment-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "Official Unemployment Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/official-unemployment-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "Official Unemployment Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/official-unemployment-statistics.

Sources & References

  • BLS logo
    Reference 1
    BLS
    bls.gov

    bls.gov

  • FRED logo
    Reference 2
    FRED
    fred.stlouisfed.org

    fred.stlouisfed.org