Department of Numbers

Delaware Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Delaware rose 0.1 percentage points in October 2023 to 4.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.3 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Delaware peaked in May 2020 at 13.4% and is now 9.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.1% in July 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see Delaware unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Delaware 4.2% +0.1 -0.5

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

Unemployment Rate: Delaware, National

Delaware monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Delaware Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Delaware peaked in May 2020 at 66,488. There are now 45,068 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 20,564 in July 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 856. Delaware job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Delaware 21,420 +380 -1,674

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Delaware from 1990 to October 2023

Delaware Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Delaware
Unemployment Rate
Delaware
Unemployed
November 2023 3.7%
October 2023 3.9% 4.2% 21,420
September 2023 3.8% 4.1% 21,040
August 2023 3.8% 4.1% 20,812
July 2023 3.5% 4.1% 20,564
June 2023 3.6% 4.2% 20,823
May 2023 3.7% 4.2% 21,166
April 2023 3.4% 4.3% 21,471
March 2023 3.5% 4.4% 22,048
February 2023 3.6% 4.6% 22,610
January 2023 3.4% 4.6% 22,905
December 2022 3.5% 4.6% 23,030