US Unemployment Rate
Civilian unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted.
4.30
Percent
Min
2.50
Max
14.80
Average
5.66
10Y Percentile
61%
3M Change
+0.0%
3-Month
+0.0%
6-Month
-2.3%
12-Month
+2.4%
What this means
The unemployment rate is steady at 4.30%, sitting in the 61st percentile of the past decade, suggesting a moderately healthy labor market. No recent change implies limited immediate pressure on wages or inflation.
In past cycles, such stability has led to modest equity gains and limited bond yield shifts. Defensive stocks and consumer‑staple sectors often perform well under these conditions.
Related Charts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current US unemployment rate?
The unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment. It is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What unemployment rate signals a recession?
There is no fixed threshold, but rapid increases matter more than the level itself. The Sahm Rule triggers when the 3-month moving average rises 0.5 percentage points above its 12-month low — a historically reliable recession indicator.
How does unemployment affect investments?
Rising unemployment is typically negative for equities and positive for bonds as it signals economic weakness and increases the likelihood of rate cuts. Defensive sectors and Treasury bonds have historically outperformed during periods of rising unemployment.