Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington rose 0.2 percentage points in October 2023 to 3.8%. The state unemployment rate was 0.1 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.6% and is now 12.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.6% in July 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | October 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 3.9% | +0.1 | +0.2 |
| Washington | 3.8% | +0.2 | -0.8 |
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 517,650 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 145,895 in August 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 7,631. Washington job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | October 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 153,526 | +6,592 | -29,557 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | 3.9% | 3.8% | 153,526 |
| September 2023 | 3.8% | 3.6% | 146,934 |
| August 2023 | 3.8% | 3.6% | 145,895 |
| July 2023 | 3.5% | 3.6% | 147,381 |
| June 2023 | 3.6% | 3.8% | 154,358 |
| May 2023 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 164,997 |
| April 2023 | 3.4% | 4.3% | 174,456 |
| March 2023 | 3.5% | 4.5% | 180,382 |
| February 2023 | 3.6% | 4.6% | 185,457 |
| January 2023 | 3.4% | 4.6% | 184,387 |
| December 2022 | 3.5% | 4.5% | 182,517 |
| November 2022 | 3.6% | 4.6% | 183,636 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
