U.S. unemployment rate declined to 5.5 percent in February 2015

U.S. unemployment rate declined to 5.5 percent in February 2015

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 295,000 in February, and the unemployment rate edged down to 5.5 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in food services and drinking places, professional and business services, construction, health care, and in transportation and warehousing. Employment in mining was down over the month.

Both the unemployment rate (5.5 percent) and the number of unemployed persons (8.7 million) edged down in February. Over the year, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons were down by 1.2 percentage points and 1.7 million, respectively.

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 2.7 million in February. These individuals accounted for 31.1 percent of the unemployed. Over the past 12 months, the number of long-term unemployed
is down by 1.1 million.

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was little changed in February at 6.6 million.

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Video: A sign the labor market is improving as unemployment rate drops to 5.5%

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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 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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February 2015
African American unemployment
African American unemployment for February 2015 increased to 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 was13.4% (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
February 2015 decreased to 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
February 2015 increased to 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
February 2015 increased to 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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February 2015
White unemployment
White unemployment for February 2015 decreased to 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
February 2015 remained 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
February 2015 decreased to 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
February 2015 decreased to 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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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.