Department of Numbers

Oklahoma Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Oklahoma fell 0.0 percentage points in December 2011 to 6.1%. The state unemployment rate was 2.4 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma peaked in December 2009 at 7.3% and is now 1.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 5.3% in May 2011, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.8 percentage points. You can also see Oklahoma unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.5% -0.2 -0.9
Oklahoma 6.1% 0.0 -0.7

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

Unemployment Rate: Oklahoma, National

Oklahoma monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to December 2011

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Oklahoma Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Oklahoma peaked in January 2010 at 128,482. There are now 21,011 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 92,160 in May 2011, the number of unemployed has now grown by 15,311. Oklahoma job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
Oklahoma 107,471 +774 -11,726

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

Oklahoma Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma
Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma
Unemployed
January 2012 8.3%
December 2011 8.5% 6.1% 107,471
November 2011 8.7% 6.1% 106,697
October 2011 8.9% 6.1% 105,949
September 2011 9.0% 5.9% 102,087
August 2011 9.1% 5.6% 97,165
July 2011 9.1% 5.6% 96,011
June 2011 9.1% 5.4% 92,732
May 2011 9.0% 5.3% 92,160
April 2011 9.0% 5.6% 97,926
March 2011 8.9% 6.1% 106,008
February 2011 9.0% 6.5% 113,487
January 2011 9.1% 6.6% 115,584