Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington rose 1.4 percentage points in December 2020 to 7.1%. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.3% and is now 9.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 5.7% in November 2020, the unemployment rate has now grown by 1.4 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | December 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 6.7% | 0.0 | +3.1 |
| Washington | 7.1% | +1.4 | +3.1 |
Note: All comparisons are made with December data as January 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 645,110. There are now 372,580 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 219,189 in November 2020, the number of unemployed has now grown by 53,341. Washington job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | December 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 272,530 | +53,341 | +113,717 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2021 | 6.3% | — | — |
| December 2020 | 6.7% | 7.1% | 272,530 |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 5.7% | 219,189 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 6.0% | 237,785 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 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 | 14.8% | 16.3% | 645,110 |
| March 2020 | 4.4% | 5.1% | 198,560 |
| February 2020 | 3.5% | 3.8% | 151,533 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
