Washington Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 0.0 percentage points in April 2022 to 4.1%. The state unemployment rate was 0.5 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.8% and is now 12.7 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.1% in March 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | April 2022 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 3.6% | 0.0 | -2.4 |
| Washington | 4.1% | 0.0 | -1.6 |
Note: All comparisons are made with April data as May 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 678,764. There are now 515,451 fewer people unemployed in the state. Washington job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | April 2022 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 163,313 | -2,449 | -56,885 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Washington Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployment Rate |
Washington Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | 3.6% | — | — |
| April 2022 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 163,313 |
| March 2022 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 165,762 |
| February 2022 | 3.8% | 4.3% | 170,116 |
| January 2022 | 4.0% | 4.4% | 173,859 |
| December 2021 | 3.9% | 4.5% | 177,141 |
| November 2021 | 4.2% | 4.5% | 178,435 |
| October 2021 | 4.6% | 4.6% | 182,238 |
| September 2021 | 4.7% | 4.8% | 189,414 |
| August 2021 | 5.2% | 5.0% | 197,483 |
| July 2021 | 5.4% | 5.2% | 203,792 |
| June 2021 | 5.9% | 5.4% | 209,593 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
