U.S. unemployment rate 14.7 percent in April 2020

U.S. unemployment rate 14.7 percent in April 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, and the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The changes in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.

In April, the unemployment rate increased by 10.3 percentage points to 14.7 percent. This is the highest rate and the largest over-the-month increase in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948).

The number of unemployed persons rose by 15.9 million to 23.1 million in April 2020. The sharp increases in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it.

In April, unemployment rates rose sharply among all major worker groups. The rate was 13.0 percent for adult men, 15.5 percent for adult women, 31.9 percent for teenagers, 14.2 percent for Whites, 16.7 percent for Blacks, 14.5 percent for Asians, and 18.9 percent for Hispanics (of any any race). The rates for all of these groups, with the exception of Blacks, represent record highs for their respective series.

The number of unemployed persons who reported being on temporary layoff increased about ten-fold to 18.1 million in April. The number of permanent job losers increased by 544,000 to 2.0 million.

In April, the number of unemployed persons who were jobless less than 5 weeks increased by 10.7 million to 14.3 million, accounting for almost two-thirds of the unemployed. The number of unemployed persons who were jobless 5 to 14 weeks rose by 5.2 million to 7.0 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more), at 939,000, declined by 225,000 over the month and represented 4.1 percent of the unemployed.

The labor force participation rate decreased by 2.5 percentage points over the month to 60.2 percent, the lowest rate since January 1973 (when it was 60.0 percent).

Total employment, as measured by the household survey, fell by 22.4 million to 133.4 million. The employment-population ratio, at 51.3 percent, dropped by 8.7 percentage points over the month. This is the lowest rate and largest over-the-month decline in the history of the series (seasonally adjusted data are available back to January 1948).

The number of persons who usually work full time declined by 15.0 million over the month, and the number who usually work part time declined by 7.4 million. Part-time workers accounted for one-third of the over-the-month employment decline.

The number of persons at work part time for economic reasons nearly doubled over the month to 10.9 million. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. This group includes persons who usually work full time and persons who usually work part time.

The number of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job, at 9.9 million, nearly doubled in April. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the last 4 weeks or were unavailable to take a job.

Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, after declining by 870,000 in March. The April over-the-month decline is the largest in the history of the series and brought employment to its lowest level since February 2011 (the series dates back to 1939).

Job losses in April were widespread, with the largest employment decline occurring in leisure and hospitality.

In April, employment in leisure and hospitality plummeted by 7.7 million, or 47 percent. Almost three-quarters of the decrease occurred in food services and drinking places (-5.5 million). Employment also fell in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry (-1.3 million) and in the accommodation industry (-839,000).

Employment declined by 2.5 million in education and health services in April. In health care, employment declined by 1.4 million, led by losses in offices of dentists (-503,000), offices of physicians (-243,000), and offices of other health care practitioners (-205,000). Employment also declined in social assistance (-651,000), reflecting job losses in child day care services (-336,000) and individual and family services (-241,000). Employment in private education declined by 457,000 over the month.

Professional and business services shed 2.1 million jobs in April. Sharp losses occurred in temporary help services (-842,000) and in services to buildings and dwellings (-259,000).

In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million. Job losses occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (-740,000), motor vehicle and parts dealers (-345,000), miscellaneous store retailers (-264,000), and furniture and home furnishings stores (-209,000). By contrast, the component of general merchandise stores that includes warehouse clubs and supercenters gained 93,000 jobs.

In April, manufacturing employment dropped by 1.3 million. About two-thirds of the decline was in durable goods manufacturing (-914,000), which saw losses in motor vehicles and parts (-382,000) and in fabricated metal products (-109,000). Nondurable goods manufacturing shed 416,000 jobs.

Employment in the other services industry declined by 1.3 million in April, with nearly two-thirds of the decline occurring in personal and laundry services (-797,000).

Government employment dropped by 980,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 801,000, in part reflecting school closures. Employment also declined in state government education (-176,000).

Construction employment fell by 975,000 in April, with much of the loss in specialty trade contractors (-691,000). Job losses also occurred in construction of buildings (-206,000).

Employment fell in transportation and warehousing in April (-584,000). Transit and ground passenger transportation and air transportation lost 185,000 jobs and 141,000 jobs, respectively.

Wholesale trade shed 363,000 jobs in April, largely reflecting losses in the durable and nondurable goods components.

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Video: U.S. unemployment hits highest level since Great Depression

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Video: Final Obama Economy- January 6, 2017: U.S. Unemployment Rate for December 2016

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The Great Recession by the numbers

Dilemma X

The Great Recession and the Global Financial Crisis began in December 2007. By December 2008 the unemployment rate reached 7.2% and reached its peak in October 2009 with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. The financial crisis was triggered by a complex problems in the United States banking system, the U.S. housing bubble and other financial failures.
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President Donald Trump assumed office January 20, 2017.
In January 2017 the number of unemployed persons was 7.6 million and the unemployment rate was 4.8%.
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President Barack Obama assumed office January 20, 2009.
In January 2009 the number of unemployed persons was 11.6 million and the unemployment rate was 7.6%.

Unemployment peaked in October 2009 with an unemployment rate of 10.2% and 15.7 million unemployed persons.
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Between January 2009 and March, 2009 more than 2 million jobs were lost and 663,000 were lost in March 2009 alone. The number of unemployed persons increased to 13.2 million that month.
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George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
January 2001 the nation’s unemployment rate was 4.2% with a total of 6.0 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 3.6% and for blacks 8.4%.
January 2008 the nation’s unemployment rate was 4.9% with a total of 7.6 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 4.4% and for blacks 9.2%.
December 2008 the nation’s unemployment rate was 7.2% with a total of 11.1 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 6.6% and for blacks 11.9%.
January 2009 the nation’s unemployment rate was 7.6% with a total of 11.6 million unemployed persons. For whites the unemployment rate was 6.9% and for African Americans it was 12.6%.
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Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States from January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
January 1994 the nation’s unemployment rate was 5.4% with a total of 7.2 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 4.8% and for blacks 9.8%.
In September 2000 the unemployment rate was 3.9%. This was the first time the nation’s unemployment rate had been below 4.0% since January 1970. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 3.5% and for blacks 7.0%.
January 2000 the nation’s unemployment rate was 4.0% with a total of 5.7 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 3.5% and for blacks 7.6%.
December 2000 the nation’s unemployment rate was 4.0% with a total of 5.7 million unemployed persons. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 3.5% and for blacks 7.6%.
January 2001 the nation’s unemployment rate was 4.2%. The number of unemployed persons rose to 5.95 million. Unemployment rate was the following: whites 3.6% and for blacks 8.4%.

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April 2020
African American unemployment

African American unemployment for April 2020 increased 16.7% (Seasonally adjusted)

African American unemployment for February 2020 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2019 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2017 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2017 was 7.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2017 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2017 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2017 was 7.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2017 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2017 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2017 was 7.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2016 was 7.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2016 was 8.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2016 was 8.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2016 was 8.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2016 was 8.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2016 was 8.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2016 was 8.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2016 was 8.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2016 was 8.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for March 2016 was 9.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for January 2016 was 8.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2015 was 10.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2015 was 9.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for March 2015 was 10.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for February 2015 was 10.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for January 2015 was 10.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2014 was 10.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2014 was 11.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2014 was 10.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2014 was 11.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2014 was 11.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2014 was 11.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2014 was 10.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2014 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for January 2014 was 12.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2013 was 11.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2013 was 12.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2013 was 13.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2013 was 12.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2013 was 13.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2013 was 12.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2013 was 13.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2013 was 13.5%(Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2013 was 13.2%(Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for March 2013 was 13.3%(Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for February 2013 was 13.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for January 2013 was 13.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2012 was 14.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2012 was 13.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2012 was 14.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2012 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2012 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2012 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2012 was 14.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2012 was 13.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2012 was 13.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for March 2012 was 14.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for February 2012 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for January 2012 was 13.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for December 2011 was to 15.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for November 2011 was 15.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for October 2011 was 15.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for September 2011 was 15.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for August 2011 was 16.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for July 2011 was 15.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for June 2011 was 16.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2011 was 16.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for April 2011 was 16.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
African American unemployment for May 2010 was 15.3% (Seasonally adjusted)

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By Sex African American unemployment for men 20 years and over
April 2020 increased to 16.1% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 6.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 7.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 6.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 7.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 7.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 8.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 8.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 7.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 8.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 8.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 7.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 9.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 8.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 8.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 10.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 9.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 10.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 10.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 10.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 11.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 11.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 10.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 11.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 10.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 11.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 10.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 12.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 12.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 13.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 14.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 13.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 12.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 13.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 13.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2013 was 13.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 12.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 12.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 14.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 12.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 14.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 14.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 13.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 13.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 14.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 12.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2011 was 15.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 16.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 16.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 16.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 18.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 17.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 17.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 17.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 17.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 17.0% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 15.5% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was at 17.3%

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African American unemployment for women 20 years and over
April 2020 increased 16.4% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 6.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 6.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 6.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 8.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 8.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 8.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 9.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 8.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 8.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 8.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 9.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 9.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 9.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 10.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 10.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 9.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 10.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 10.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 10.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 11.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 10.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 10.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 10.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 12.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 11.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2013 was 11.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 12.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 12.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 12.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 12.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 12.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 10.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 12.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 12.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 11.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 10.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 12.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 12.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 12.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2011 was 13.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 13.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 12.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 13.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 13.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 12.0% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 13.4% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was 13.2%

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African American unemployment for both sexes, 16 to 19 years
April 2020 increased to 28.0% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 20.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 23.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 25.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 25.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 22.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 22.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 22.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 23.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 21.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 27.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 25.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 26.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 27.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 27.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 26.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 25.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 31.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 27.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 26.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 25.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 25.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 30.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 27.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 25.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 30.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 29.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 33.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 28.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 32.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 30.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 32.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 34.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 33.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 31.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 38.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 35.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 35.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 36.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 35.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 38.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 41.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 43.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 42.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
Apil 2013 was 40.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 33.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 43.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 37.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 40.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 39.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 40.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 36.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 37.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 36.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 39.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 36.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 38.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 40.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 34.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 38.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2011 was 42.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 39.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 37.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 43.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 46.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 39.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 39.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 40.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 41.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 38.4% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 40.7% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was 45.4%

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April 2020
White unemployment
White unemployment for April 2020 decreased 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)

White unemployment for February 2020 was 3.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for April 2019 was 3.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2017 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2017 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2017 was 3.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2017 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2017 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2017 was 3.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2017 was 3.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2017 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2016 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2016 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2016 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2016 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for April 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for March 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for January 2016 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2015 was 4.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for April 2015 was 4.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for March 2015 was 4.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for February 2015 was 4.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for January 2015 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2014 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2014 was 5.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2014 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2014 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2014 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2014 was 5.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for January 2014 was 5.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2013 was 5.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2013 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2013 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2013 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2013 was 6.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2013 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2013 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2013 was 6.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for April 2013 was 6.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for March 2013 was 6.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for February 2013 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for January 2013 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2012 was 6.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2012 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2012 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2012 was 7.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2012 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2012 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2012 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for April 2012 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for March 2012 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for February 2012 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for January 2012 was 7.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for December 2011 was 7.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for November 2011 was 7.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for October 2011 was 8.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for September 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for August 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for July 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for June 2011 was 8.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
White unemployment for May 2010 was 8.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
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By Sex White unemployment for men 20 years and over
April 2020 increased to 12.4% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 2.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 2.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 3.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 3.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 3.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 3.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 3.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 3.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 3.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 3.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 4.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 4.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 4.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 4.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 4.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 4.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 5.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 5.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 5.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 6.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 6.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 6.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2013 was 6.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 6.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 6.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was % (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 6.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 6.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2011 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 7.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 7.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 7.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 7.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 8.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 7.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 8.4% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 8.7% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was 8.9%

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White unemployment for women unemployment 20 years and over
April 2020 increased to 15.0% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 2.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 2.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 3.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 3.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 3.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 3.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 3.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 3.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 3.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 3.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 3.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 3.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 3.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 4.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 3.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 4.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 3.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 4.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 4.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 4.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 4.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 5.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 5.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 5.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 5.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 5.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 6.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 5.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2013 was 5.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 6.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 6.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 6.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 6.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 6.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 6.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 6.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 6.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2011 decreased to 6.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 6.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 7.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 7.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 7.0% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 7.2% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was 7.1%

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White unemployment for both sexes, 16 to 19 years
April 2020 decreased to 31.2% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 9.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 11.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2017 was 12.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2017 was 14.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2017 was 12.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2017 was 11.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2017 was 11.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2017 was 11.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2017 was 11.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2017 was 11.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2016 was 13.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2016 was 14.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2016 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2016 was 14.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2016 was 14.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2016 was 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2016 was 14.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2016 was 14.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2016 was 13.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2016 was 13.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2016 was 14.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2015 was 15.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2015 was 14.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2015 was 15.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2015 was 15.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2015 was 16.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2014 was 14.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2014 was 15.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2014 was 16.34 (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2014 was 18.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2014 was 17.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2014 was 18.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2014 was 18.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2014 was 16.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2014 was 17.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2013 was 18.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2013 was 18.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2013 was 19.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2013 was 19.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2013 was 19.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2013 was 20.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2013 was 20.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2013 was 21.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2013 was 21.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2013 was 22.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2013 was 22.1% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2013 was 20.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
December 2012 was 21.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2012 was 20.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2012 was 20.6% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2012 was 21.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2012 was 22.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2012 was 21.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2012 was 20.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2012 was 22.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2012 was 22.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
March 2012 was 22.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2012 was 21.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
January 2012 was 21.1% (Seasonally adjusted) D
December 2011 was 20.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
November 2011 was 21.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
October 2011 was 21.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
September 2011 was 21.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
August 2011 was 22.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
July 2011 was 23.0% (Seasonally adjusted)
June 2011 was 21.8% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2011 was 20.7% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2011 was 22.3% (Seasonally adjusted)
May 2010 was 25.1% (Not seasonally adjusted)
September 2009 was 23.0% (Not seasonally adjusted)
August 2010 was 23.8%

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April 2020
Asian unemployment

Asian unemployment for April 2020 increased 14.5% (Seasonally adjusted)

Asian unemployment for February 2020 was 2.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
Asian unemployment for April 2019 was 2.2% (Seasonally adjusted)

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April 2020
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) unemployment

Hispanic or Latino unemployment for April 2020 increased 18.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
Hispanic or Latino unemployment for February 2020 was 4.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
Hispanic or Latino unemployment for April 2019 was 4.2% (Seasonally adjusted)

By Sex Hispanic or Latino unemployment for men 20 years and over
April 2020 increased to 12.4% (Seasonally adjusted)

February 2020 was 3.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)

By Sex Hispanic or Latino unemployment for women 20 years and over
April 2020 increased to 12.4% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2020 was 4.9% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 3.7% (Seasonally adjusted)

Hispanic or Latino unemployment for both sexes, 16 to 19 years
April 2020 decreased to 31.2% (Seasonally adjusted)
February 2020 was 14.5% (Seasonally adjusted)
April 2019 was 15.7% (Seasonally adjusted)

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Seasonally Adjusted
Not Seasonally Adjusted
Seasonal adjustment is a statistical method for removing the seasonal component of a time series used when analyzing non-seasonal trends. Whereas, not-seasonally-adjusted reflects the actual current data. It is normal to report not-seasonally-adjusted data for current unemployment rates. Seasonally adjusted data may be used for the longer term comparison. Total employment and unemployment vary throughout the year. For example,higher unemployment in January and February isn’t uncommon because of work in agriculture, construction and other seasonal industries slowing down. Also, both employment and unemployment rise every June, when students enter the labor force in search of summer jobs. Seasonally adjusted numbers also take into account seasonal hiring/layoff patterns that go along with winter and summer holidays.

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Historical Employment Data for African Americans
Click images to enlarge. Click your back arrow to return to Dilemma X

Data below come from U.S. federal reports released in 1968 and in 1974, for the year 1973.

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Video: Don’t Be a Sucker 1947 | U.S. War Department

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When the African American unemployment rate was lower

On January 5, 2018 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the African American unemployment rate reached a record low of 6.8 percent unemployment, the lowest since the early 1970s, when the government began tracking the data.

Question: Is this the lowest unemployment rate the federal government has tracked for African Americans?

First, note that the unemployment rate does not fully factor in wages or quality of life, for Americans, post the Great Recession. The Great Recession recovery has not impacted all racial and ethnic groups of Americans equally. Africans Americans lost great financial wealth, including real estate, during the Great Recession.

The New York Times reported the following in 2013:

Full Report: Less-than-equal-racial-disparities-in-wealth-accumulation 2013

Many Americans, in 2018, may hold more than one job just to earn the equal level of incomes they may have received pre-Great Recession in one single job. Also, today, many Americans holding one single job may actually be earning less than they earned in their former one single job pre-Great Recession, should they have lost their former job.

There has been great attention and discussion on the historical low unemployment rate for African Americans. This historical flashback will take a brief review of the unemployment rates for African Americans before 1974.

Before the 1970s the United States had what is known as a Jim Crow system (American Apartheid). The Jim Crow system didn’t only impact civil rights and educational opportunities. Jim Crow greatly impacted the types of jobs and wages African Americans were able to have access to or obtain. Also, Jim Crow was not only in the Southern states. A system segregation, of various degrees, existed in the northeast, mid-west and western United States pre-1970s.

The following laws were enacted by congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican) and President Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrat):
Civil Rights Act of 1957
Civil Rights Act of 1960
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)

Economic opportunities for African Americans did not begin to greatly appear until post 1969.

Affirmative Action greatly advanced the economics of white woman more than any other group in the United States.

Civic Issues in Race (Pennsylvania State University)

http://sites.psu.edu/crutchfieldrclblog/2015/04/06/civic-issues-4-are-you-a-beneficiary-of-affirmative-action-you-probably-are/
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White women benefit most from affirmative action — and are among its fiercest opponents

The following information briefly covers the pre 1970s economic conditions in the United States for African Americans. when there was a lower unemployment rate compared to the unemployment rate release on January 5, 2018.

1948-1960

1952