New York Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New York rose 0.1 percentage points in February 2021 to 8.9%. The state unemployment rate was 2.7 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New York peaked in April 2020 at 16.2% and is now 7.3 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 8.7% in October 2020, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see New York unemployment compared to other states.

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

Unemployment Rate: New York, National

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New York Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New York peaked in April 2020 at 1,435,688. There are now 609,913 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 802,509 in October 2020, the number of unemployed has now grown by 23,266. New York job growth data is also available.

Number of Unemployed Persons

New York Unemployment History