Massachusetts Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Massachusetts fell 0.1 percentage points in July 2019 to 2.9%. The state unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts peaked in December 2009 at 8.8% and is now 5.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.9% in April 2019, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Massachusetts unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	July 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.7%	0.0	-0.2
Massachusetts	2.9%	-0.1	-0.4

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

Unemployment Rate: Massachusetts, National

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Massachusetts Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Massachusetts peaked in January 2010 at 304,530. There are now 193,360 fewer people unemployed in the state. Massachusetts job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	July 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
Massachusetts	111,170	-2,354	-16,432

Number of Unemployed Persons

Massachusetts Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	Massachusetts Unemployment Rate	Massachusetts Unemployed
August 2019	3.7%	—	—
July 2019	3.7%	2.9%	111,170
June 2019	3.7%	3.0%	113,524
May 2019	3.6%	3.0%	113,972
April 2019	3.6%	2.9%	112,239
March 2019	3.8%	3.0%	113,778
February 2019	3.8%	3.0%	115,421
January 2019	4.0%	3.1%	118,495
December 2018	3.9%	3.1%	119,697
November 2018	3.7%	3.1%	119,400
October 2018	3.8%	3.1%	119,673
September 2018	3.7%	3.2%	121,814