Department of Numbers

Oklahoma Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Oklahoma fell 0.0 percentage points in March 2023 to 3.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.5 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma peaked in April 2020 at 12.5% and is now 9.5 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.8% in February 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Oklahoma unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.5% -0.1 -0.1
Oklahoma 3.0% 0.0 +0.2

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

Unemployment Rate: Oklahoma, National

Oklahoma monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Oklahoma Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Oklahoma peaked in April 2020 at 226,105. There are now 169,283 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 53,266 in March 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,556. Oklahoma job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Oklahoma 56,822 -786 +3,556

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Oklahoma from 1990 to March 2023

Oklahoma Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma
Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma
Unemployed
April 2023 3.4%
March 2023 3.5% 3.0% 56,822
February 2023 3.6% 3.0% 57,608
January 2023 3.4% 3.1% 58,843
December 2022 3.5% 3.2% 59,659
November 2022 3.6% 3.2% 60,049
October 2022 3.7% 3.2% 60,681
September 2022 3.5% 3.2% 60,656
August 2022 3.7% 3.2% 59,742
July 2022 3.5% 3.1% 57,994
June 2022 3.6% 3.0% 56,060
May 2022 3.6% 2.9% 54,481