NYC Unemployment Rate Calculator
*Figures are based on the standard BLS definition of labor force participation.
How to Calculate Unemployment Rate in NYC
Understanding the economic health of New York City requires looking closely at labor statistics. Whether you are analyzing data from the New York State Department of Labor or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), calculating the unemployment rate follows a specific economic formula. This tool helps you compute that rate instantly based on raw population data.
The Formula
The unemployment rate represents the percentage of the Civilian Labor Force that is currently unemployed but actively seeking work. It is not simply the percentage of the total population without a job, as it excludes retirees, students, and those not looking for work.
Where:
- Labor Force = Employed Persons + Unemployed Persons
- Employed Persons = Individuals who did any work for pay or profit during the survey week.
- Unemployed Persons = Individuals who do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior 4 weeks, and are currently available for work.
Example Calculation using NYC Data
Let's look at a hypothetical example based on typical New York City economic figures:
- Employed Persons: 3,850,000
- Unemployed Persons: 210,000
First, calculate the total Labor Force:
3,850,000 + 210,000 = 4,060,000 (Total Labor Force)
Next, apply the formula:
(210,000 ÷ 4,060,000) × 100 = 5.17%
Why exclude "Not in Labor Force"?
When analyzing NYC's economy, it is crucial not to confuse the "unemployment rate" with the "jobless rate." Millions of people in the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island) do not work but are not considered unemployed. This includes:
- Full-time students
- Stay-at-home parents
- Retirees
- Discouraged workers (those who have stopped looking for work)
Including these individuals would artificially inflate the unemployment rate and provide an inaccurate picture of the job market's health.
Data Sources for New York City
To get the most accurate inputs for this calculator, consult the monthly reports released by:
- NYS Department of Labor: Monthly press releases on area unemployment.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Specifically the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program.