Department of Numbers

New Jersey Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New Jersey fell 0.1 percentage points in December 2011 to 9.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.5 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New Jersey peaked in January 2010 at 9.8% and is now 0.8 percentage points lower. You can also see New Jersey unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.5% -0.2 -0.9
New Jersey 9.0% -0.1 -0.1

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

Unemployment Rate: New Jersey, National

New Jersey monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to December 2011

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New Jersey Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New Jersey peaked in January 2010 at 441,223. There are now 30,501 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 407,303 in December 2010, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,419. New Jersey job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
New Jersey 410,722 -2,441 +3,419

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in New Jersey from 1990 to December 2011

New Jersey Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New Jersey
Unemployment Rate
New Jersey
Unemployed
January 2012 8.3%
December 2011 8.5% 9.0% 410,722
November 2011 8.7% 9.1% 413,163
October 2011 8.9% 9.1% 414,998
September 2011 9.0% 9.2% 417,948
August 2011 9.1% 9.4% 422,165
July 2011 9.1% 9.5% 427,944
June 2011 9.1% 9.5% 428,582
May 2011 9.0% 9.4% 421,502
April 2011 9.0% 9.3% 418,667
March 2011 8.9% 9.3% 417,600
February 2011 9.0% 9.2% 414,205
January 2011 9.1% 9.1% 407,990