United States Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
United States's unemployment rate was 4.20% in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
United States's unemployment rate stood at 4.20% in 2025, a rise of +0.17pp from 2024. The IMF projects 4.18% by 2025. United States ranked 69th globally.
The United States unemployment rate stood at 4.20 % in 2025, placing the country 69th in the world according to the World Bank, and reflects a modest rise from the all‑time trough of 3.64 % recorded in 2023. Over the 46‑year span from 1980, when unemployment was 7.17 %, the labor market has experienced pronounced swings, notably the peak of 9.71 % in 1982 during the early‑1980s recession. Recent levels remain close to those of peer economies such as Australia (4.09 %) and India (4.22 %), suggesting that the United States is operating within a comparable range of labor market tightness among advanced and emerging markets. The slight uptick from the 2023 trough may signal the early effects of monetary tightening and structural adjustments, but the rate remains well below historic highs. Continued moderation of inflation and a resilient job‑creation cycle are likely to keep unemployment near the current band, barring a major economic shock.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.73% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.82% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.92% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.99% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 4.12% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 4.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.20% | +0.17pp | #69 |
| 2024 | 4.02% | +0.39pp | #72 |
| 2023 | 3.64% | −0.00pp | #66 |
| 2022 | 3.65% | −1.71pp | #56 |
| 2021 | 5.35% | −2.75pp | #83 |
| 2020 | 8.06% | +4.38pp | #122 |
| 2019 | 3.67% | −0.22pp | #56 |
| 2018 | 3.90% | −0.46pp | #58 |
| 2017 | 4.36% | −0.52pp | #66 |
| 2016 | 4.87% | −0.41pp | #73 |
| 2015 | 5.28% | −0.88pp | #80 |
| 2014 | 6.17% | −1.19pp | #93 |
| 2013 | 7.38% | −0.70pp | #108 |
| 2012 | 8.07% | −0.86pp | #118 |
| 2011 | 8.95% | −0.66pp | #128 |
Analysis
United States's unemployment rate was 4.20% in 2025, a rise of +0.17pp from 2024. IMF projects 4.18% by 2025.
North Dakota's September unemployment rate of 1.8% indicates a very strong regional labor market, significantly below the national unemployment rate of 4.20%. Concurrently, robust residential construction and demand in Chesterfield County, Virginia, suggest localized job creation in the building sector. These regional strengths in employment contribute to the broader national unemployment picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's unemployment rate was 4.20% in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from the previous year.
United States's unemployment rate peaked at 9.71% in 1982.
The lowest unemployment rate in United States was 3.64% in 2023.
United States ranks 69th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's unemployment rate is projected to reach 4.18% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of United States in 2025 was 4.20%. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_unemployment-rate,
title = {United States Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}