Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 0.3 percentage points in April 2013 to 7.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.5 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in December 2009 at 10.2% and is now 3.2 percentage points lower. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | April 2013 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 7.5% | -0.1 | -0.6 |
| Washington | 7.0% | -0.3 | -1.4 |
Note: All comparisons are made with April data as May state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Washington, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Washington Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Washington peaked in February 2010 at 360,772. There are now 117,694 fewer people unemployed in the state. Washington job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | April 2013 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 243,078 | -11,610 | -49,656 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
| Date |
National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2013 | 7.6% | — | — |
| April 2013 | 7.5% | 7.0% | 243,078 |
| March 2013 | 7.6% | 7.3% | 254,688 |
| February 2013 | 7.7% | 7.5% | 259,537 |
| January 2013 | 7.9% | 7.5% | 260,741 |
| December 2012 | 7.8% | 7.5% | 259,915 |
| November 2012 | 7.8% | 7.6% | 264,739 |
| October 2012 | 7.9% | 7.8% | 270,894 |
| September 2012 | 7.8% | 8.0% | 277,706 |
| August 2012 | 8.1% | 8.2% | 284,256 |
| July 2012 | 8.2% | 8.3% | 289,306 |
| June 2012 | 8.2% | 8.4% | 292,102 |
| May 2012 | 8.2% | 8.4% | 292,927 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
