Department of Numbers

New York Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New York fell 0.1 percentage points in March 2023 to 4.1%. The state unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New York peaked in May 2020 at 16.6% and is now 12.5 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.9% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see New York unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.5% -0.1 -0.1
New York 4.1% -0.1 -0.3

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

Unemployment Rate: New York, National

New York monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

New York Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in New York peaked in May 2020 at 1,569,673. There are now 1,178,057 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 370,386 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 21,230. New York job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
New York 391,616 -9,672 -32,563

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in New York from 1990 to March 2023

New York Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployment Rate
New York
Unemployed
April 2023 3.4%
March 2023 3.5% 4.1% 391,616
February 2023 3.6% 4.2% 401,288
January 2023 3.4% 4.2% 402,570
December 2022 3.5% 4.1% 395,461
November 2022 3.6% 4.1% 398,445
October 2022 3.7% 4.2% 398,996
September 2022 3.5% 4.0% 388,014
August 2022 3.7% 3.9% 370,386
July 2022 3.5% 4.0% 380,936
June 2022 3.6% 4.1% 390,406
May 2022 3.6% 4.1% 398,337