Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington rose 0.1 percentage points in January 2023 to 4.6%. The state unemployment rate was 1.2 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.6% and is now 12.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.9% in March 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.7 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
Unemployment Rate | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
National | 3.4% | -0.1 | -0.6 |
Washington | 4.6% | +0.1 | +0.6 |
Note: All comparisons are made with January data as February state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Washington, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Washington Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 671,176. There are now 486,708 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 154,558 in April 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 29,910. Washington job growth data is also available.
Unemployed Persons | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
Washington | 184,468 | +1,951 | +25,557 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
---|---|---|---|
February 2023 | 3.6% | — | — |
January 2023 | 3.4% | 4.6% | 184,468 |
December 2022 | 3.5% | 4.5% | 182,517 |
November 2022 | 3.6% | 4.6% | 183,636 |
October 2022 | 3.7% | 4.6% | 183,083 |
September 2022 | 3.5% | 4.4% | 177,698 |
August 2022 | 3.7% | 4.3% | 170,334 |
July 2022 | 3.5% | 4.1% | 162,843 |
June 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 157,492 |
May 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 155,078 |
April 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 154,558 |
March 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 154,988 |