The Unemployment Rate represents the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment during the previous month. It is one of the most closely watched economic indicators as it reflects the health of the labor market and overall economic vitality. A declining rate suggests economic expansion and potential upward pressure on wages.
The rate is derived from the Household Survey (Current Population Survey) conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, covering approximately 60,000 households.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2026 | — | 5.00 | — |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 4.90 | 4.80 | +0.10 |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 4.90 | 5.00 | -0.10 |
| Jun 18, 2026 | 4.90 | 5.00 | -0.10 |
| May 19, 2026 | 5.00 | 4.90 | +0.10 |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 4.90 | 5.20 | -0.30 |
| Aug 12, 2025 | 4.70 | 4.70 | 0.00 |
| Jul 17, 2025 | 4.70 | 4.60 | +0.10 |
| Jun 10, 2025 | 4.60 | 4.60 | 0.00 |
| May 13, 2025 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 0.00 |
| Apr 15, 2025 | 4.40 | 4.40 | 0.00 |
| Aug 13, 2024 | 4.20 | 4.50 | -0.30 |
| Jul 18, 2024 | 4.40 | 4.40 | 0.00 |
| Jun 11, 2024 | 4.40 | 4.30 | +0.10 |
| May 14, 2024 | 4.30 | 4.30 | 0.00 |
| Apr 16, 2024 | 4.20 | 4.00 | +0.20 |
| Aug 15, 2023 | 4.20 | 4.00 | +0.20 |
| Jul 11, 2023 | 4.00 | 3.80 | +0.20 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | 3.80 | 4.00 | -0.20 |
| May 16, 2023 | 3.90 | 3.80 | +0.10 |
| Apr 18, 2023 | 3.80 | 3.70 | +0.10 |
| Aug 16, 2022 | 3.80 | 3.80 | 0.00 |
| Jul 19, 2022 | 3.80 | 3.90 | -0.10 |
| Jun 14, 2022 | 3.80 | 3.60 | +0.20 |
| May 17, 2022 | 3.70 | 3.80 | -0.10 |
| Apr 12, 2022 | 3.80 | 3.80 | 0.00 |
