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True Rate of Unemployment

Out of the Population

The percentage of the whole U.S. population that is functionally unemployed.

True
Rate of Unemployment
Out of the Population
52.4
%
March 2025
Headline
Rate of Unemployment
Out of the Population
40.1
%
March 2025
vs.
Using data compiled by the federal government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population tracks the percentage of the U.S. population (age 16 and older) that does not have a full-time job (35+ hours a week), or has a part-time job but wants more hours, and does not earn a living wage, which is conservatively pegged at $25,000 annually before taxes.
For a more in-depth explanation of the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population, please reference LISEP’s TRU white paper.
True
Rate of Unemployment
The True Rate of Unemployment (TRU) Out of the Population, as defined by LISEP, measures the percentage of the whole U.S. population that is functionally unemployed.
True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population
vs. Headline Rate of Unemployment
52.4
%
True Rate
40.1
%
Headline Rate
Select any point on the chart to see the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population for that month.
True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population
By Race
53.1%
Black
51.9%
Hispanic
52.9%
White
Select any point on the chart to see the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population for that month.
True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population
By Sex
59.4%
Female
44.7%
Male
Select any point on the chart to see the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population for that month.
True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population
By Education
Select any point on the chart to see the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population for that month.
79.0%
No High School
57.8%
High School Diploma
54.8%
Some College
38.8%
Bachelors Degree
36.0%
Advanced Degree
Select any point on the chart to see the True Rate of Unemployment Out of the Population for that month.
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