What is the unemployment rate in the US right now?
Data updated November 17, 2024
About 4.2% in November 2024. That's a 0.5 percentage point increase from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
Showing data for
In November 2024,
4.2%
of the labor force was unemployed in the US
November 2024 had a
+0.5
percentage point change than November 2023
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In November 2024, the unemployment rate in the US was 4.2%.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to November 2024
The unemployment rate historically has increased during or shortly after the start of a recession. As economic activity slows, demand for goods and services decreases, leading businesses to cut costs with layoffs or hiring freezes. The unemployment rate can also change based on the number of people joining or leaving the labor force.
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Since 1948, the unemployment rate has often increased during or after recessions.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 1948 to November 2024
The unemployment rate varies throughout the country. Based on the most recently available state-level data, South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in October 2024 at 1.9%. Nevada had the highest unemployment rate at 5.7%.
In October 2024, the unemployment rate varied across states.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate
Unemployment rate, by state (October 2024)
| 1. | Nevada | 5.7% |
| 2. | Washington, DC | 5.7% |
| 3. | California | 5.4% |
| 4. | Puerto Rico | 5.4% |
| 5. | Illinois | 5.3% |
| 6. | Kentucky | 5.0% |
| 7. | Michigan | 4.7% |
| 8. | New Jersey | 4.7% |
| 9. | South Carolina | 4.7% |
| 10. | Washington state | 4.7% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Local Area Unemployment Statistics and Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey
