NH Unemployment Rate Calculator
Welcome to the New Hampshire Unemployment Rate Calculator. This tool allows economists, students, business owners, and residents to calculate the unemployment rate based on labor force statistics. Understanding local economic health is vital for policy planning and business forecasting in the Granite State.
The unemployment rate is a key economic indicator released by the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It represents the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work.
Calculate NH Unemployment Stats
Please enter valid numbers. The Unemployed count cannot exceed the Total Labor Force.
Understanding New Hampshire's Labor Statistics
New Hampshire has historically maintained one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States. However, these numbers fluctuate based on seasonal tourism, manufacturing shifts, and broader economic cycles.
The Calculation Formula
The formula used by this calculator matches the standard definition used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Unemployment Rate = (Unemployed Persons ÷ Civilian Labor Force) × 100
- Civilian Labor Force: This includes all people aged 16+ who are classified as either employed or unemployed. It excludes active-duty military personnel and those in institutions.
- Unemployed: Individuals who do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior 4 weeks, and are currently available for work.
- Employed: Individuals who did any work for pay or profit during the survey reference week.
Example Calculation for NH Context
To better understand how the numbers work, let's look at a hypothetical scenario reflecting the scale of the New Hampshire economy.
Scenario: Assume the monthly labor market report for NH indicates a total workforce size of 775,000 people. Due to seasonal shifts after the summer tourism season ends, the number of people actively seeking work rises to 19,375.
- Identify Total Labor Force: 775,000
- Identify Unemployed Count: 19,375
- Apply Formula: (19,375 ÷ 775,000) × 100
- Result: 0.025 × 100 = 2.5%
In this example, New Hampshire would report a 2.5% unemployment rate.
Why Is This Important?
Monitoring the unemployment rate in New Hampshire is crucial for several reasons:
- Business Strategy: A very low rate indicates a "tight" labor market, meaning businesses may have to offer higher wages to attract talent.
- Government Policy: State officials use this data to allocate resources for job training and unemployment benefits.
- Economic Health: It serves as a primary thermometer for the state's economic wellbeing compared to neighbors like Massachusetts or Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator account for "Discouraged Workers"?
No. The standard unemployment rate (U-3) calculated here does not include discouraged workers—people who want a job but gave up looking because they believe no jobs are available. They are not counted in the labor force.
Where can I find official NH data?
Official data is published monthly by the New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau (ELMI) and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why does the rate change every month?
The rate changes due to actual economic shifts (hiring vs. firing) and seasonal adjustments. For example, NH sees spikes in employment during summer and winter tourism seasons, which requires statistical adjustment to see the underlying trend.