Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 2.3 percentage points in October 2020 to 6.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.3% and is now 10.3 percentage points lower. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | October 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 6.9% | -1.0 | +3.3 |
| Washington | 6.0% | -2.3 | +2.0 |
Unemployment Rate: Washington, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Washington Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 645,110. There are now 406,493 fewer people unemployed in the state. Washington job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | October 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 238,617 | -87,342 | +79,705 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 6.0% | 238,617 |
| September 2020 | 7.9% | 8.3% | 325,959 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 8.4% | 333,649 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 10.2% | 403,708 |
| June 2020 | 11.1% | 10.0% | 389,799 |
| May 2020 | 13.3% | 15.1% | 593,883 |
| April 2020 | 14.7% | 16.3% | 645,110 |
| March 2020 | 4.4% | 5.1% | 198,560 |
| February 2020 | 3.5% | 3.8% | 151,533 |
| January 2020 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 155,468 |
| December 2019 | 3.5% | 4.0% | 158,813 |
| November 2019 | 3.5% | 4.0% | 158,520 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
