California Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for California rose 0.1 percentage points in October 2023 to 4.8%. The state unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in California peaked in April 2020 at 16.1% and is now 11.3 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.8% in July 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 1.0 percentage points. You can also see California unemployment compared to other states.
Unemployment Rate | October 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
National | 3.9% | +0.1 | +0.2 |
California | 4.8% | +0.1 | +0.7 |
Note: All comparisons are made with October data as November 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 April 2020 at 3,018,611. There are now 2,087,361 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 723,589 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 207,661. California job growth data is also available.
Unemployed Persons | October 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
California | 931,250 | +17,700 | +132,769 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
California Unemployment History
Date | National Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployed |
---|---|---|---|
November 2023 | 3.7% | — | — |
October 2023 | 3.9% | 4.8% | 931,250 |
September 2023 | 3.8% | 4.7% | 913,550 |
August 2023 | 3.8% | 4.6% | 895,044 |
July 2023 | 3.5% | 4.6% | 884,871 |
June 2023 | 3.6% | 4.6% | 889,335 |
May 2023 | 3.7% | 4.5% | 883,375 |
April 2023 | 3.4% | 4.5% | 868,102 |
March 2023 | 3.5% | 4.4% | 860,202 |
February 2023 | 3.6% | 4.4% | 841,703 |
January 2023 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 813,818 |
December 2022 | 3.5% | 4.1% | 790,262 |