Unemployment Rate
UNRATE • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4.20
Year-over-Year Change
0.00%
Date Range
1/1/1948 - 7/1/2025
Summary
The Unemployment Rate measures the percentage of the labor force without jobs but actively seeking employment. It serves as a critical indicator of economic health and labor market conditions.
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 economic metric represents the proportion of unemployed workers in the total labor force. It reflects the current state of job market dynamics and can signal broader economic trends such as recession or recovery.
Methodology
The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects unemployment data through monthly household surveys, tracking those without jobs who have actively searched for work in the past four weeks.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists use the Unemployment Rate to inform monetary policy, assess economic stimulus needs, and gauge overall economic performance.
Key Facts
- Calculated monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Excludes discouraged workers who have stopped seeking employment
- Considered a lagging economic indicator
- Influences Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions
FAQs
Q: What is considered a healthy unemployment rate?
A: Economists typically view an unemployment rate between 4-5% as healthy, representing full employment while maintaining economic flexibility.
Q: How does unemployment impact the economy?
A: High unemployment reduces consumer spending, decreases tax revenues, and can lead to increased social welfare costs.
Q: Are part-time workers counted in the unemployment rate?
A: Part-time workers seeking full-time employment are typically counted as unemployed in the official statistics.
Q: How often is the unemployment rate updated?
A: The unemployment rate is updated and released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Q: Does the unemployment rate include all jobless people?
A: No, the unemployment rate only includes people actively seeking work, excluding those who have stopped looking for employment.
Related Trends
Unemployment Rate - College Graduates - Bachelor's Degree and Higher, 25 to 34 years
CGRA2534
Unemployment Rate - Associate Degree, 25 to 64 years, Women
ADEG2564W
Unemployment Rate - Some College or Associate Degree, 18 to 19 years, Women
SCAD1819W
Unemployment Rate - College Graduates - Doctoral Degree, 35 to 44 years, Women
CGDD3544W
Unemployment Rate - Associate Degree - Occupational Program, 16 to 19 years
ADOP1619
Unemployment Rate - Enrolled in College Full Time 16-24 Yrs.
LNU04023002
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Unemployment Rate [UNRATE], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025