Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Rate Total: 15 Years or over for United States
LRUNTTTTUSM156N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4.60
Year-over-Year Change
2.22%
Date Range
1/1/1955 - 7/1/2025
Summary
The Unemployment Rate Total: 15 Years or over for the United States measures the percentage of the labor force aged 15 and above who are unemployed. This key economic indicator provides insight into the overall health of the labor market.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This monthly time series from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks the civilian unemployment rate for the total population aged 15 and over in the United States. It is a widely used metric for assessing the strength of the labor force and evaluating the performance of the broader economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Current Population Survey, a monthly household survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists closely monitor the unemployment rate to inform decisions around monetary and fiscal policy.
Key Facts
- The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.7% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The lowest unemployment rate on record is 3.5%, reached in 2019.
- Unemployment rates tend to rise during economic recessions and fall during periods of economic growth.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Unemployment Rate Total: 15 Years or over for the United States measures the percentage of the civilian labor force aged 15 and above who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the overall health of the labor market and the broader economy. It is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market participants to assess economic conditions and inform policy decisions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the Current Population Survey, a monthly household survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The unemployment rate is a crucial input for the Federal Reserve and other policymakers in formulating monetary and fiscal policies aimed at promoting full employment and price stability.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The unemployment rate data is released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a typical delay of around 2-3 weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Rate Total: 15 Years or over for United States (LRUNTTTTUSM156N), retrieved from FRED.