What is the unemployment rate in the State College, PA area right now?
Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the State College, PA area was at 2.8% in April 2026. That's a 0.2 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 helps indicate the overall condition of the State College, PA Metro Area job market.
In April 2026,
2.8%
of the labor force was unemployed in State College, PA area
April 2026 had a
+0.2
percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.
The unemployment rate in State College, PA area was lower in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.
Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)
Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
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How does unemployment in the State College, PA area compare to other metros?
Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health, and comparing these rates across different metropolitan areas can provide insights. The State College, PA area experiences fluctuations in its unemployment rate due to various economic factors. The current unemployment rate in the State College, PA area is a metric to consider. Historical trends show that the unemployment rate in this area has varied over time, reflecting changes in the local economy and broader economic conditions. When comparing the State College, PA area to other metropolitan areas, it is useful to look at the current unemployment rates in those regions. For instance, metropolitan areas such as Metro Area 1 and Metro Area 2 have their own unemployment rates, which can be contrasted with the rate in the State College, PA area to understand regional economic differences. Several factors can influence the unemployment rate in the State College, PA area and other metropolitan areas. These factors include the presence of key industries, economic policies, and social conditions that affect job availability and workforce participation. In conclusion, comparing the unemployment rate in the State College, PA area with other metropolitan areas highlights economic trends and differences. Monitoring these rates is important for economic planning and policy-making, ensuring that regions can address unemployment challenges effectively. Data sources for this analysis include credible and up-to-date government data on unemployment rates across various metropolitan areas.Among 172 metro areas with less than 100,000 people in the labor force, the State College, PA area had the 23rd lowest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the State College, PA area's 2.8% unemployment rate were the Terre Haute, IN area (2.8%) and the Anniston, AL area (2.8%).
In April 2026, the State College, PA area had the 23rd lowest unemployment rate among metro areas with less than 100,000 people in the labor force.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)
Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
| 1. | El Centro, CA area | 16.5% |
| 2. | Yuma, AZ area | 13.9% |
| 3. | Visalia, CA area | 10.2% |
| 4. | Merced, CA area | 9.6% |
| 5. | Hanford, CA area | 8.9% |
| 6. | Bakersfield, CA area | 8.7% |
| 7. | Guayama, PR area | 8.6% |
| 8. | Eagle Pass, TX area | 8.5% |
| 9. | Fresno, CA area | 8.1% |
| 10. | Wildwood, FL area | 7.9% |
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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.
