Department of Numbers

New Mexico Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New Mexico rose 0.1 percentage points in December 2011 to 6.6%. The state unemployment rate was 1.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New Mexico peaked in January 2011 at 8.7% and is now 2.1 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 6.5% in November 2011, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see New Mexico unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.5% -0.2 -0.9
New Mexico 6.6% +0.1 -2.0

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

Unemployment Rate: New Mexico, National

New Mexico monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to December 2011

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New Mexico Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New Mexico peaked in January 2011 at 82,804. There are now 20,815 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 61,284 in November 2011, the number of unemployed has now grown by 705. New Mexico job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
New Mexico 61,989 +705 -20,650

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

New Mexico Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New Mexico
Unemployment Rate
New Mexico
Unemployed
January 2012 8.3%
December 2011 8.5% 6.6% 61,989
November 2011 8.7% 6.5% 61,284
October 2011 8.9% 6.6% 61,457
September 2011 9.0% 6.6% 61,528
August 2011 9.1% 6.6% 61,394
July 2011 9.1% 6.7% 62,446
June 2011 9.1% 6.8% 63,946
May 2011 9.0% 6.9% 65,487
April 2011 9.0% 7.6% 71,633
March 2011 8.9% 8.1% 77,520
February 2011 9.0% 8.7% 82,779
January 2011 9.1% 8.7% 82,804