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 23, 2026 | — | 4.50 | — |
| Aug 28, 2026 | 2.10 | 2.10 | 0.00 |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 4.20 | 4.50 | -0.30 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | 2.10 | 2.10 | 0.00 |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 4.50 | 4.60 | -0.10 |
| Jul 3, 2026 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 0.00 |
| Jun 24, 2026 | 4.40 | 4.60 | -0.20 |
| May 29, 2026 | 1.90 | 2.10 | -0.20 |
| May 26, 2026 | 4.60 | 5.10 | -0.50 |
| Apr 30, 2026 | 2.10 | 2.20 | -0.10 |
| Apr 23, 2026 | 4.90 | 4.90 | 0.00 |
| Jul 24, 2025 | 5.40 | 4.10 | +1.30 |
| Jun 27, 2025 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 0.00 |
| Jun 26, 2025 | 4.60 | 4.20 | +0.40 |
| May 30, 2025 | 2.00 | 1.90 | +0.10 |
| May 22, 2025 | 4.30 | 4.50 | -0.20 |
| May 2, 2025 | 2.00 | 2.10 | -0.10 |
| Apr 28, 2025 | 4.40 | 4.10 | +0.30 |
| Mar 28, 2025 | 2.10 | — | — |
| Mar 27, 2025 | 3.80 | 3.90 | -0.10 |
| Feb 28, 2025 | 2.20 | — | — |
| Jul 25, 2024 | 4.10 | 4.30 | -0.20 |
| Jun 28, 2024 | 1.90 | 2.00 | -0.10 |
| Jun 27, 2024 | 4.10 | 4.40 | -0.30 |
| May 31, 2024 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 0.00 |
| May 27, 2024 | 4.30 | 3.90 | +0.40 |
| Apr 25, 2024 | 4.00 | 3.70 | +0.30 |
| Mar 21, 2024 | 3.60 | 4.30 | -0.70 |
| Jul 27, 2023 | 3.40 | — | — |
| Jun 22, 2023 | 3.00 | 3.60 | -0.60 |
| May 25, 2023 | 3.50 | 3.70 | -0.20 |
| Jul 28, 2022 | 3.30 | — | — |
| Apr 28, 2022 | 3.30 | — | — |
