U.S. Youth Unemployment Rate 1991-2023
Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.
- U.S. youth unemployment rate for 2021 was 9.57%, a 5.28% decline from 2020.
- U.S. youth unemployment rate for 2020 was 14.85%, a 6.51% increase from 2019.
- U.S. youth unemployment rate for 2019 was 8.34%, a 0.24% decline from 2018.
- U.S. youth unemployment rate for 2018 was 8.58%, a 0.63% decline from 2017.
U.S. Youth Unemployment Rate - Historical Data |
Year |
% of Total Labor Force Ages 15-24 |
Annual Change |
2021 |
9.57% |
-5.28% |
2020 |
14.85% |
6.51% |
2019 |
8.34% |
-0.24% |
2018 |
8.58% |
-0.63% |
2017 |
9.20% |
-1.16% |
2016 |
10.36% |
-1.19% |
2015 |
11.56% |
-1.79% |
2014 |
13.34% |
-2.13% |
2013 |
15.47% |
-0.68% |
2012 |
16.15% |
-1.07% |
2011 |
17.23% |
-1.10% |
2010 |
18.33% |
0.84% |
2009 |
17.49% |
4.76% |
2008 |
12.74% |
2.28% |
2007 |
10.46% |
0.03% |
2006 |
10.43% |
-0.80% |
2005 |
11.23% |
-0.58% |
2004 |
11.81% |
-0.57% |
2003 |
12.38% |
0.42% |
2002 |
11.96% |
1.43% |
2001 |
10.53% |
1.23% |
2000 |
9.30% |
-0.61% |
1999 |
9.91% |
-0.51% |
1998 |
10.43% |
-1.00% |
1997 |
11.43% |
-0.65% |
1996 |
12.08% |
-0.11% |
1995 |
12.19% |
-0.36% |
1994 |
12.56% |
-0.86% |
1993 |
13.42% |
-0.86% |
1992 |
14.28% |
0.82% |
1991 |
13.46% |
0.82% |