Department of Numbers

Rhode Island Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Rhode Island fell 0.1 percentage points in January 2023 to 3.1%. The state unemployment rate was 0.3 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 14.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.9% in April 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Rhode Island unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.6
Rhode Island 3.1% -0.1 -0.4

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

Unemployment Rate: Rhode Island, National

Rhode Island monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 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 81,032 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 16,828 in April 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 694. Rhode Island job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Rhode Island 17,522 -635 -2,558

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

Rhode Island Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Rhode Island
Unemployment Rate
Rhode Island
Unemployed
February 2023 3.6%
January 2023 3.4% 3.1% 17,522
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
June 2022 3.6% 3.1% 17,545
May 2022 3.6% 3.0% 16,975
April 2022 3.6% 2.9% 16,828
March 2022 3.6% 3.0% 17,190