Historical Unemployment Rates in the United States Since 1948
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Highest Rate (Single Month)
14.8%
April 2020
Highest Average (Full Year)
9.71%
1982
Lowest Rate (Single Month)
2.5%
May 1953
Lowest Average (Full Year)
3.00%
1952
Most Recent Data
4.4%
December 2025
About This Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has been tracking unemployment data since January 1948. This tool provides instant access to historical unemployment rates, allowing you to explore economic trends across different administrations, recessions, and periods of growth.
The unemployment rate represents the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment. This metric is a key indicator of economic health and is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and investors.
Data Source
All data is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics