Department of Numbers

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

California monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 2023

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

Monthly chart of total unemployed in California from 1990 to January 2023

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