California Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for California rose 0.1 percentage points in January 2023 to 4.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.8 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 11.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.8% in July 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see California unemployment compared to other states.
Unemployment Rate | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
National | 3.4% | -0.1 | -0.6 |
California | 4.2% | +0.1 | -1.0 |
Note: All comparisons are made with January data as February 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 2,204,850 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 723,589 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 90,172. California job growth data is also available.
Unemployed Persons | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
California | 813,761 | +23,499 | -180,404 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
California Unemployment History
Date | National Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployment Rate |
California Unemployed |
---|---|---|---|
February 2023 | 3.6% | — | — |
January 2023 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 813,761 |
December 2022 | 3.5% | 4.1% | 790,262 |
November 2022 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 797,702 |
October 2022 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 798,481 |
September 2022 | 3.5% | 4.0% | 769,532 |
August 2022 | 3.7% | 3.8% | 723,589 |
July 2022 | 3.5% | 3.8% | 732,210 |
June 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 743,821 |
May 2022 | 3.6% | 4.0% | 760,435 |
April 2022 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 791,466 |
March 2022 | 3.6% | 4.4% | 837,088 |