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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | 4.40 | 5.00 | -0.60 |
| Sep 15, 2026 | 4.80 | 4.70 | +0.10 |
| Aug 17, 2026 | 4.70 | 4.70 | 0.00 |
| Jul 15, 2026 | 4.90 | 5.80 | -0.90 |
| Jun 15, 2026 | 5.30 | 5.50 | -0.20 |
| May 15, 2026 | 5.30 | 6.70 | -1.40 |
| Apr 15, 2026 | 6.80 | 6.50 | +0.30 |
| Mar 15, 2026 | 6.40 | 6.40 | 0.00 |
| Feb 15, 2026 | 6.30 | 5.90 | +0.40 |
| Dec 15, 2025 | 5.90 | 5.90 | 0.00 |
| Nov 15, 2025 | 5.90 | 5.90 | 0.00 |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 5.70 | 6.20 | -0.50 |
| Sep 15, 2025 | 6.00 | 6.10 | -0.10 |
| Aug 15, 2025 | 6.10 | 6.00 | +0.10 |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 6.40 | 5.70 | +0.70 |
| Jun 15, 2025 | 5.60 | 5.90 | -0.30 |
| May 15, 2025 | 5.90 | 6.60 | -0.70 |
| Apr 15, 2025 | 6.60 | 6.30 | +0.30 |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6.30 | 6.20 | +0.10 |
| Feb 15, 2025 | 6.20 | 6.20 | 0.00 |
| Jan 15, 2025 | 6.40 | 5.70 | +0.70 |
| Dec 15, 2024 | 5.70 | 5.80 | -0.10 |
| Nov 15, 2024 | 5.70 | 6.10 | -0.40 |
| Oct 15, 2024 | 5.90 | — | — |
| Sep 15, 2024 | 6.10 | 6.20 | -0.10 |
| Aug 15, 2024 | 6.00 | 6.70 | -0.70 |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 6.60 | 7.00 | -0.40 |
| Jun 15, 2024 | 7.20 | 6.20 | +1.00 |
| May 15, 2024 | 6.40 | 7.90 | -1.50 |
| Apr 15, 2024 | 7.70 | 7.10 | +0.60 |
| Mar 15, 2024 | 7.30 | 7.00 | +0.30 |
| Feb 15, 2024 | 7.20 | 6.90 | +0.30 |
| Jan 15, 2024 | 6.80 | 6.60 | +0.20 |
| Dec 15, 2023 | 6.60 | 6.50 | +0.10 |
| Nov 15, 2023 | 6.60 | 6.70 | -0.10 |
The latest reading is 2.3 standard deviations below the mean.
