Pennsylvania Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Pennsylvania fell 0.0 percentage points in February 2021 to 7.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania peaked in April 2020 at 16.2% and is now 8.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 7.0% in October 2020, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.3 percentage points. You can also see Pennsylvania unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | February 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 6.2% | -0.1 | +2.7 |
| Pennsylvania | 7.3% | 0.0 | +2.3 |
Note: All comparisons are made with February data as March state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Pennsylvania, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Pennsylvania Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Pennsylvania peaked in April 2020 at 1,023,035. There are now 560,255 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 444,342 in October 2020, the number of unemployed has now grown by 18,438. Pennsylvania job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | February 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 462,780 | +5,610 | +138,730 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Pennsylvania Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate |
Pennsylvania Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2021 | 6.0% | — | — |
| February 2021 | 6.2% | 7.3% | 462,780 |
| January 2021 | 6.3% | 7.3% | 457,170 |
| December 2020 | 6.7% | 7.1% | 447,888 |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 7.1% | 445,586 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 7.0% | 444,342 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 7.1% | 450,013 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 10.2% | 638,395 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 13.0% | 839,001 |
| June 2020 | 11.1% | 13.3% | 853,780 |
| May 2020 | 13.3% | 13.5% | 862,639 |
| April 2020 | 14.8% | 16.2% | 1,023,035 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
