California Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for California fell 0.2 percentage points in September 2022 to 3.9%. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in California peaked in May 2020 at 16.1% and is now 12.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.9% in July 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see California unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | September 2022 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 3.5% | -0.2 | -1.2 |
| California | 3.9% | -0.2 | -2.5 |
Note: All comparisons are made with September data as October state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: California, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
California Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in California peaked in May 2020 at 3,002,074. There are now 2,255,866 fewer people unemployed in the state. California job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | September 2022 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 746,208 | -37,614 | -471,898 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
California Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2022 | 3.7% | — | — |
| September 2022 | 3.5% | 3.9% | 746,208 |
| August 2022 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 783,822 |
| July 2022 | 3.5% | 3.9% | 754,564 |
| June 2022 | 3.6% | 4.2% | 805,466 |
| May 2022 | 3.6% | 4.3% | 829,323 |
| April 2022 | 3.6% | 4.6% | 880,957 |
| March 2022 | 3.6% | 4.8% | 926,932 |
| February 2022 | 3.8% | 5.3% | 1,011,994 |
| January 2022 | 4.0% | 5.7% | 1,089,654 |
| December 2021 | 3.9% | 5.8% | 1,095,056 |
| November 2021 | 4.2% | 5.8% | 1,103,714 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
