New Jersey Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for New Jersey rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2023 to 4.7%. The state unemployment rate was 1.0 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in New Jersey peaked in May 2020 at 15.3% and is now 10.6 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.0% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 1.7 percentage points. You can also see New Jersey unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | November 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 3.7% | -0.1 | +0.1 |
| New Jersey | 4.7% | +0.1 | +1.4 |
Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: New Jersey, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
New Jersey Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in New Jersey peaked in May 2020 at 704,427. There are now 476,473 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 143,025 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 84,929. New Jersey job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | November 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 227,954 | +4,801 | +69,285 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
New Jersey Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
New Jersey Unemployment Rate |
New Jersey Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | 3.7% | — | — |
| November 2023 | 3.7% | 4.7% | 227,954 |
| October 2023 | 3.8% | 4.6% | 223,153 |
| September 2023 | 3.8% | 4.4% | 214,294 |
| August 2023 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 203,340 |
| July 2023 | 3.5% | 3.9% | 190,008 |
| June 2023 | 3.6% | 3.7% | 182,499 |
| May 2023 | 3.7% | 3.6% | 174,715 |
| April 2023 | 3.4% | 3.5% | 170,555 |
| March 2023 | 3.5% | 3.5% | 170,714 |
| February 2023 | 3.6% | 3.5% | 168,835 |
| January 2023 | 3.4% | 3.4% | 163,664 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
