Department of Numbers

New York Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New York rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2023 to 4.3%. The state unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New York peaked in May 2020 at 16.6% and is now 12.3 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.9% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see New York unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate November 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.7% -0.1 +0.1
New York 4.3% +0.1 +0.2

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

Unemployment Rate: New York, National

New York monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to November 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New York Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New York peaked in May 2020 at 1,569,673. There are now 1,149,052 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 370,386 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 50,235. New York job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons November 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
New York 420,621 +11,145 +22,176

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in New York from 1990 to November 2023

New York Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployed
December 2023 3.7%
November 2023 3.7% 4.3% 420,621
October 2023 3.8% 4.2% 409,476
September 2023 3.8% 4.0% 392,495
August 2023 3.8% 3.9% 384,655
July 2023 3.5% 3.9% 380,191
June 2023 3.6% 3.9% 383,946
May 2023 3.7% 3.9% 382,194
April 2023 3.4% 4.0% 384,883
March 2023 3.5% 4.1% 391,595
February 2023 3.6% 4.2% 401,288
January 2023 3.4% 4.2% 402,570