This page explains official U.S. unemployment using the standard U-3 measure, so you can track the labor market consistently over time. It breaks down how joblessness differs across groups, occupations, and states, from adult and teen rates to major job categories. You’ll also see where May 2024 fits in the longer story, including the pandemic peak and earlier recession highs.
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 percent with major joblessness gaps by age and occupation.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics29 stats
01
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
02
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
03
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19 years) in the U.S. was 13.1 percent, seasonally adjusted.
04
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
05
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. was 6.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
06
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians in the U.S. was 3.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
07
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics or Latinos in the U.S. was 5.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
08
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20+) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
09
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20+) in the U.S. was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
10
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19) in the U.S. was 12.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
11
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
12
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks was 5.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
13
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians was 3.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
14
In April 2024, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 4.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
15
In March 2024, youth unemployment rate (16-24) in the U.S. was 7.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
16
In March 2024, unemployment rate for persons with less than high school diploma was 5.5 percent.
17
In March 2024, unemployment rate for high school graduates no college was 4.2 percent.
18
In March 2024, unemployment rate for some college or associate degree was 3.0 percent.
19
In March 2024, unemployment rate for bachelor's degree and higher was 2.0 percent.
20
In February 2024, male unemployment rate (16+) was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
21
In February 2024, female unemployment rate (16+) was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
22
In January 2024, Black male unemployment rate was 6.0 percent.
23
In December 2023, unemployment rate for veterans was 3.1 percent.
24
In November 2023, unemployment rate for Gulf War era II veterans was 3.4 percent.
25
In October 2023, female veteran unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
26
In September 2023, postsecondary education holders unemployment was 2.4 percent.
27
In August 2023, married men unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
28
In July 2023, Black women unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.
29
In June 2023, Hispanic youth unemployment was 8.5 percent.
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
In May 2024, unemployment showed clear demographic divides, with teenage unemployment at 13.1% compared with 3.8% for adult men and 3.5% for adult women, and also widening by race with 6.1% for Blacks or African Americans versus 3.5% for Whites.
02 · Category
Historical24 stats
01
The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.8 percent in April 2020 due to COVID-19.
02
The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in January 2020, pre-pandemic low.
03
In 2009, during Great Recession, U.S. unemployment reached 10.0 percent.
04
U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.8 percent in the 1980s.
05
In 1969, U.S. unemployment hit a post-war low of 3.1 percent.
06
During 1930s Great Depression, U.S. unemployment exceeded 20 percent.
07
U.S. unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in 2019 annual average.
08
In 2010, post-recession U.S. unemployment was 9.6 percent.
09
U.S. unemployment fell to 3.5 percent in September 2019.
10
In 1990, U.S. unemployment rate averaged 5.6 percent.
11
During 1975 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 9.0 percent.
12
U.S. unemployment was 5.6 percent in 2000.
13
In 1982 recession, U.S. unemployment hit 10.8 percent.
14
Annual average U.S. unemployment in 2022 was 3.6 percent.
15
U.S. unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in 2016.
16
In 1950s, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.5 percent.
17
Post-WWII in 1946, U.S. unemployment was 3.9 percent.
18
U.S. unemployment reached 6.8 percent in 1982.
19
In 2023 annual average, U.S. unemployment was 3.6 percent.
20
During 2001 recession, U.S. unemployment peaked at 6.3 percent.
21
U.S. unemployment was 8.5 percent in October 2009.
22
In 1970, U.S. unemployment averaged 4.9 percent.
23
Lowest monthly U.S. unemployment since 1969 was 3.4 percent in 2019.
24
U.S. unemployment rate in December 1941 was 1.1 percent pre-WWII entry.
Interpretation
Historical Interpretation
For the Historical category, the U.S. unemployment record shows a long sweep from post-war stability at 3.1 percent in 1969 to major downturn spikes of over 20 percent in the Great Depression and 14.8 percent at the COVID-19 peak in April 2020.
03 · Category
Industry30 stats
01
In May 2024, management, professional, and related occupations had U.S. unemployment rate of 2.1 percent.
02
In May 2024, natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations unemployment was 4.2 percent.
03
In May 2024, sales and office occupations unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
04
In May 2024, service occupations unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.
05
In May 2024, production, transportation, and material moving occupations unemployment was 4.3 percent.
06
In May 2024, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry unemployment was 3.5 percent.
07
In May 2024, construction industry unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
08
In May 2024, manufacturing unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
09
In May 2024, wholesale trade unemployment was 2.7 percent.
10
In May 2024, retail trade unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
11
In April 2024, transportation and warehousing unemployment was 4.8 percent.
12
In April 2024, information industry unemployment rate was 3.9 percent.
13
In April 2024, financial activities unemployment was 2.4 percent.
14
In April 2024, professional and business services unemployment was 4.2 percent.
15
In April 2024, education and health services unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.
16
In March 2024, leisure and hospitality unemployment was 5.0 percent.
17
In March 2024, other services unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
18
In February 2024, federal government unemployment was 1.2 percent.
19
In January 2024, state government unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.
20
In December 2023, local government unemployment was 2.3 percent.
21
In November 2023, durable goods manufacturing unemployment was 3.2 percent.
22
In October 2023, nondurable goods manufacturing unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
23
In September 2023, trade, transportation, and utilities unemployment was 3.5 percent.
24
In August 2023, arts, entertainment, and recreation unemployment was 6.2 percent.
25
In July 2023, accommodation and food services unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.
26
In June 2023, social assistance unemployment was 3.0 percent.
27
In May 2023, computer and mathematical occupations unemployment was 2.2 percent.
28
In April 2023, healthcare practitioners unemployment rate was 1.8 percent.
29
In March 2023, food preparation and serving unemployment was 5.5 percent.
30
In February 2023, building and grounds cleaning unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.
Interpretation
Industry Interpretation
For the Industry angle in May 2024, unemployment varied widely by occupation and sector, ranging from just 2.1 percent in management, professional, and related jobs to 5.1 percent in service occupations, while production, transportation, and material moving stayed relatively close at 4.3 percent.
More related reading
04 · Category
National Rates30 stats
01
The official U.S. unemployment rate (U-3) for May 2024 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 6.6 million unemployed persons.
02
The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
03
The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2024 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
04
The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
05
The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2024 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
06
The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
07
The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
08
The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2023 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
09
The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
10
The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2023 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
11
The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
12
The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
13
The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
14
The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
15
The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2023 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
16
The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2023 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
17
The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2023 was 3.4 percent, seasonally adjusted.
18
The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
19
The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
20
The official U.S. unemployment rate for October 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
21
The official U.S. unemployment rate for September 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
22
The official U.S. unemployment rate for August 2022 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
23
The official U.S. unemployment rate for July 2022 was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
24
The official U.S. unemployment rate for June 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
25
The official U.S. unemployment rate for May 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
26
The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
27
The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2022 was 3.6 percent, seasonally adjusted.
28
The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2022 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
29
The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2022 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
30
The official U.S. unemployment rate for December 2021 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Interpretation
National Rates Interpretation
For the National Rates category, the U.S. unemployment rate stayed relatively low and moved only modestly, rising from 3.7 percent in December 2023 and January 2024 to 4.0 percent by May 2024 with 6.6 million people unemployed.
05 · Category
Regional30 stats
01
In May 2024, California state unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, seasonally adjusted.
02
In May 2024, Nevada state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
03
In May 2024, New Jersey state unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
04
In May 2024, Illinois state unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
05
In May 2024, New York state unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted.
06
In May 2024, South Dakota state unemployment rate was 1.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
07
In May 2024, North Dakota state unemployment rate was 2.0 percent, seasonally adjusted.
08
In May 2024, Virginia state unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
09
In May 2024, Maryland state unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
10
In April 2024, Hawaii unemployment rate was 3.0 percent.
11
In April 2024, District of Columbia unemployment was 5.7 percent.
12
In March 2024, Michigan unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.
13
In February 2024, Oregon unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
14
In January 2024, Pennsylvania unemployment rate was 3.5 percent.
15
In December 2023, Florida unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.
16
In November 2023, Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
17
In October 2023, Washington unemployment rate was 4.2 percent.
18
In September 2023, Massachusetts unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
19
In August 2023, Colorado unemployment rate was 3.3 percent.
20
In July 2023, Minnesota unemployment rate was 2.5 percent.
21
In June 2023, Utah unemployment rate was 2.8 percent.
22
In May 2023, Nebraska unemployment rate was 2.3 percent.
23
In April 2023, Vermont unemployment rate was 2.1 percent.
24
In March 2023, Iowa unemployment rate was 2.7 percent.
25
In February 2023, New Hampshire unemployment rate was 2.2 percent.
26
In January 2023, Oklahoma unemployment rate was 2.9 percent.
27
In December 2022, Georgia unemployment rate was 3.4 percent.
28
In November 2022, Arizona unemployment rate was 3.6 percent.
29
In October 2022, Ohio unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.
30
In September 2022, Indiana unemployment rate was 3.1 percent.
Interpretation
Regional Interpretation
From a regional perspective in May 2024, unemployment varied widely across states, ranging from South Dakota’s low 1.9 percent to California’s higher 5.3 percent.
report visual · Key figures
Unemployment rates by demographic group (latest available)
Teenagers and some demographic groups show higher unemployment rates than adults and other population groups.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for teenagers (16-19 years) in the U.S. was 13.1 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult men (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for adult women (20 years and over) in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Whites in the U.S. was 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. was 6.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, the unemployment rate for Asians in the U.S. was 3.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted.
report visual · Projection
Official U.S. unemployment rates through major recessions
Unemployment spiked during major downturns (including COVID-19), then fell back to low levels in recent years.
1,975 Percent
Start
-13.13%
CAGR · 45y
3.5 Percent
Projected
20202065
report visual · Comparison
Unemployment rates by industry (latest month)
Service-sector categories show higher unemployment rates, while several trade and government categories are lower.
In May 2024, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry unemployment was 3.5 percent.2024
In May 2024, construction industry unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.2024
In May 2024, manufacturing unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.2024
In May 2024, wholesale trade unemployment was 2.7 percent.2024
In May 2024, retail trade unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.2024
In April 2024, transportation and warehousing unemployment was 4.8 percent.2024
report visual · Key figures
Official U.S. Unemployment Rate (U-3), Recent Months
Unemployment remains relatively low, with small month-to-month movement across the latest period.
-3
The official U.S. unemployment rate (U-3) for May 2024 was 4.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 6.6 million unemployed
2024
The official U.S. unemployment rate for April 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
The official U.S. unemployment rate for March 2024 was 3.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
The official U.S. unemployment rate for February 2024 was 3.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
The official U.S. unemployment rate for January 2024 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2023
The official U.S. unemployment rate for November 2023 was 3.7 percent, seasonally adjusted.
report visual · Key figures
Regional Unemployment Rates (May 2024)
California, Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York show unemployment rates in the same month, with South Dakota and North Dakota notably lower.
2024
In May 2024, California state unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, Nevada state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, New Jersey state unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, Illinois state unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, New York state unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted.
2024
In May 2024, South Dakota state unemployment rate was 1.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.
Reference
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
2 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level