Economy

What is the unemployment rate in the US right now?

Data updated November 17, 2024
About 4.1% in October 2024. That's a 0.3 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 October 2024,

4.1%

of the labor force was unemployed in the US
October 2024 had a

+0.3

percentage point change than October 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 October 2024, the unemployment rate in the US was 4.1%.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to October 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 October 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)

Unemployment rate, by state (October 2024)

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