What was the U.S. unemployment rate in August 2026?
Answer4.1%
About 7.0 million people were unemployed.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Situation (Aug. 2026) bls.gov
Careers · Facts & sources
Labor facts & stats
4 sourced facts about work and the labor force, each with the context behind the number. 4 more are in today's round and appear here after it closes.
The basics
Going deeper
What was the U.S. union membership rate in 1983, the first year of comparable data?
Answer20.1%
There were 17.7 million union members in 1983, versus 14.7 million in 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Union Members 2025 (2025) bls.gov
Which state was the first to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday?
AnswerOregon (1887)
The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882; Congress made it a national holiday in 1894.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, History of Labor Day dol.gov
Expert level
What was the U.S. labor force participation rate in August 2026?
Answer61.6%
The employment-population ratio was 59.1%.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Situation (Aug. 2026) bls.gov
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