Department of Numbers

New Jersey Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New Jersey rose 0.1 percentage points in January 2023 to 3.4%. The state unemployment rate was 0.0 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New Jersey peaked in May 2020 at 15.3% and is now 11.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.0% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see New Jersey unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.6
New Jersey 3.4% +0.1 -1.7

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

Unemployment Rate: New Jersey, National

New Jersey monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New Jersey Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New Jersey peaked in May 2020 at 704,427. There are now 540,859 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 143,025 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 20,543. New Jersey job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
New Jersey 163,568 +6,364 -74,771

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in New Jersey from 1990 to January 2023

New Jersey Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New Jersey
Unemployment Rate
New Jersey
Unemployed
February 2023 3.6%
January 2023 3.4% 3.4% 163,568
December 2022 3.5% 3.3% 157,204
November 2022 3.6% 3.3% 158,669
October 2022 3.7% 3.3% 158,661
September 2022 3.5% 3.2% 152,559
August 2022 3.7% 3.0% 143,025
July 2022 3.5% 3.2% 153,278
June 2022 3.6% 3.4% 163,218
May 2022 3.6% 3.6% 172,240
April 2022 3.6% 3.9% 183,031
March 2022 3.6% 4.1% 195,037