Department of Numbers

Colorado Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Colorado fell 0.1 percentage points in December 2011 to 7.9%. The state unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Colorado peaked in February 2011 at 9.3% and is now 1.4 percentage points lower. You can also see Colorado unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.5% -0.2 -0.9
Colorado 7.9% -0.1 -1.0

Note: All comparisons are made with December data as January state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Colorado, National

Colorado monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to December 2011

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Colorado Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Colorado peaked in February 2011 at 247,884. There are now 31,897 fewer people unemployed in the state. Colorado job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
Colorado 215,987 -263 -22,028

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Colorado from 1990 to December 2011

Colorado Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Colorado
Unemployment Rate
Colorado
Unemployed
January 2012 8.3%
December 2011 8.5% 7.9% 215,987
November 2011 8.7% 8.0% 216,250
October 2011 8.9% 8.1% 219,762
September 2011 9.0% 8.3% 222,518
August 2011 9.1% 8.5% 227,216
July 2011 9.1% 8.5% 226,935
June 2011 9.1% 8.5% 228,841
May 2011 9.0% 8.7% 233,200
April 2011 9.0% 8.8% 237,942
March 2011 8.9% 9.2% 246,531
February 2011 9.0% 9.3% 247,884
January 2011 9.1% 9.1% 243,372