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
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
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 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
