Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted

SMU39000005051100001A • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

19.40

Year-over-Year Change

-32.40%

Date Range

1/1/1990 - 1/1/2021

Summary

This economic trend measures the annual, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the United States. It is a key indicator of labor market conditions and economic performance.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The annual, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate represents the percentage of the total labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment over a 12-month period. This metric provides insight into broader labor market trends without the volatility of monthly or quarterly data.

Methodology

The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects this data through household surveys to estimate the total labor force and number of unemployed persons.

Historical Context

This unemployment rate is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to gauge the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Key Facts

  • The annual unemployment rate averaged 5.7% in 2022.
  • The rate reached a high of 14.7% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The lowest annual unemployment rate on record was 2.9% in 1953.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the annual, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the United States, which represents the percentage of the total labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment over a 12-month period.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The annual, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is a key indicator of labor market conditions and overall economic performance, providing insight into broader trends without the volatility of monthly or quarterly data.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects this data through household surveys to estimate the total labor force and number of unemployed persons.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This unemployment rate is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to gauge the overall health of the U.S. economy and inform policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The annual unemployment rate data is typically published with a delay of several months, and may not capture rapid changes in the labor market.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted (SMU39000005051100001A), retrieved from FRED.