Department of Numbers

New York Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New York fell 0.0 percentage points in March 2012 to 8.5%. The state unemployment rate was 0.3 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New York peaked in January 2010 at 8.9% and is now 0.4 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 8.0% in March 2011, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.5 percentage points. You can also see New York unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.2% -0.1 -0.7
New York 8.5% 0.0 +0.5

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

Unemployment Rate: New York, National

New York monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 2012

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New York Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New York peaked in January 2010 at 850,601. There are now 39,081 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 760,751 in April 2011, the number of unemployed has now grown by 50,769. New York job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
New York 811,520 +6,832 +48,557

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in New York from 1990 to March 2012

New York Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployed
April 2012 8.1%
March 2012 8.2% 8.5% 811,520
February 2012 8.3% 8.5% 804,688
January 2012 8.3% 8.3% 787,874
December 2011 8.5% 8.2% 776,815
November 2011 8.7% 8.2% 778,774
October 2011 8.9% 8.2% 782,468
September 2011 9.0% 8.3% 784,695
August 2011 9.1% 8.3% 783,785
July 2011 9.1% 8.2% 780,007
June 2011 9.1% 8.2% 773,314
May 2011 9.0% 8.1% 764,826
April 2011 9.0% 8.0% 760,751