Department of Numbers

South Dakota Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for South Dakota fell 0.0 percentage points in April 2023 to 1.9%. The state unemployment rate was 1.5 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in South Dakota peaked in April 2020 at 8.8% and is now 6.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 1.9% in February 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see South Dakota unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.2
South Dakota 1.9% 0.0 0.0

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

Unemployment Rate: South Dakota, National

South Dakota monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

South Dakota Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in South Dakota peaked in April 2020 at 40,653. There are now 31,673 fewer people unemployed in the state. South Dakota job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
South Dakota 8,980 -206 -120

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in South Dakota from 1990 to April 2023

South Dakota Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
South Dakota
Unemployment Rate
South Dakota
Unemployed
May 2023 3.7%
April 2023 3.4% 1.9% 8,980
March 2023 3.5% 1.9% 9,186
February 2023 3.6% 2.1% 9,842
January 2023 3.4% 2.1% 10,061
December 2022 3.5% 2.2% 10,346
November 2022 3.6% 2.2% 10,392
October 2022 3.7% 2.2% 10,458
September 2022 3.5% 2.2% 10,434
August 2022 3.7% 2.2% 10,311
July 2022 3.5% 2.1% 10,037
June 2022 3.6% 2.0% 9,689