March 8, 2016

More Jobs Needed

  • The unemployment rate has improved, but many groups have not benefited.

  • Unemployment is still higher than pre-recession levels in 36 of 50 states.

  • Labor force participation shows many Americans are not participating in the economy.

  • Greater economic growth and job creation is needed.

The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.9 percent in February, but many Americans are not yet experiencing a full economic recovery. African-Americans, Hispanics, and teens continue to have unemployment rates that are worse than the national number.

February 2016 Unemployment Rates

Unemployment demographics bar chart

The recession ended in June 2009. By 2015, the average annual unemployment rate in 36 states remained higher than it was in 2007, at the start of the recession.   

Nearly 3 out of 4 States Still Haven’t Recovered

Labor and economy

Labor force participation is 62.9 percent – near the lowest level in 38 years. Prior to the recession, labor force participation stood at 66 percent. The low labor force participation rate shows that millions of Americans are staying on the sidelines.     

Labor Force Participation Has Nosedived

Labor force participation rate chart

Low labor force participation could constrain our economy’s capacity to expand, limit gains in living standards, and harm the economy’s ability to withstand unexpected shocks.

Issue Tag: Labor