Rhode Island Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Rhode Island rose 0.2 percentage points in November 2020 to 7.3%. The state unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Rhode Island peaked in April 2020 at 18.1% and is now 10.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 7.1% in October 2020, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Rhode Island unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | November 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 6.7% | -0.2 | +3.1 |
| Rhode Island | 7.3% | +0.2 | +3.8 |
Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Rhode Island, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Rhode Island Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Rhode Island peaked in April 2020 at 95,779. There are now 56,561 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 38,578 in October 2020, the number of unemployed has now grown by 640. Rhode Island job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | November 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 39,218 | +640 | +19,922 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Rhode Island Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Rhode Island Unemployment Rate |
Rhode Island Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2020 | 6.7% | — | — |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 7.3% | 39,218 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 7.1% | 38,578 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 10.5% | 58,642 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 12.9% | 69,524 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 11.3% | 63,133 |
| June 2020 | 11.1% | 12.6% | 69,364 |
| May 2020 | 13.3% | 16.4% | 85,781 |
| April 2020 | 14.8% | 18.1% | 95,779 |
| March 2020 | 4.4% | 4.7% | 26,460 |
| February 2020 | 3.5% | 3.4% | 18,780 |
| January 2020 | 3.5% | 3.4% | 18,946 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
