Department of Numbers

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

Washington monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 2023

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

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Washington from 1990 to January 2023

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