Department of Numbers

Colorado Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Colorado fell 0.1 percentage points in March 2023 to 2.8%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Colorado peaked in May 2020 at 11.6% and is now 8.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.6% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Colorado unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.5% -0.1 -0.1
Colorado 2.8% -0.1 -0.5

Note: All comparisons are made with March data as April state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Colorado, National

Colorado monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Colorado Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Colorado peaked in May 2020 at 360,803. There are now 269,755 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 83,483 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 7,565. Colorado job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Colorado 91,048 -1,656 -13,753

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Colorado from 1990 to March 2023

Colorado Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Colorado
Unemployment Rate
Colorado
Unemployed
April 2023 3.4%
March 2023 3.5% 2.8% 91,048
February 2023 3.6% 2.9% 92,704
January 2023 3.4% 2.8% 90,436
December 2022 3.5% 2.8% 89,130
November 2022 3.6% 2.8% 90,091
October 2022 3.7% 2.8% 90,735
September 2022 3.5% 2.8% 88,338
August 2022 3.7% 2.6% 83,483
July 2022 3.5% 2.7% 86,888
June 2022 3.6% 2.8% 90,170
May 2022 3.6% 2.9% 94,133