Department of Numbers

Rhode Island Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Rhode Island fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2023 to 3.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Rhode Island peaked in April 2020 at 18.0% and is now 15.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.9% in April 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see Rhode Island unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate May 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.7% +0.3 +0.1
Rhode Island 3.0% 0.0 0.0

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

Unemployment Rate: Rhode Island, National

Rhode Island monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to May 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Rhode Island Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Rhode Island peaked in April 2020 at 98,554. There are now 81,753 fewer people unemployed in the state. Rhode Island job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons May 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Rhode Island 16,801 -163 -174

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Rhode Island from 1990 to May 2023

Rhode Island Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Rhode Island
Unemployment Rate
Rhode Island
Unemployed
June 2023 3.6%
May 2023 3.7% 3.0% 16,801
April 2023 3.4% 3.0% 16,964
March 2023 3.5% 3.1% 17,356
February 2023 3.6% 3.1% 17,357
January 2023 3.4% 3.1% 17,561
December 2022 3.5% 3.2% 18,157
November 2022 3.6% 3.3% 18,629
October 2022 3.7% 3.4% 19,177
September 2022 3.5% 3.4% 19,263
August 2022 3.7% 3.4% 19,147
July 2022 3.5% 3.2% 18,279