U.S.: Unemployment Rate, by ethnicity
EthnicityUnemployment rate,
in %
Black or African-American5.5
Puerto Rican5.2
Hispanic/Latino4.6
Mexican American4.6
Cuban3.4
White/Caucasian3.3
Asian3.0
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 2, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Disparities in unemployment rates among ethnic groups

Black or African-American individuals experienced the highest unemployment rate at 5.5% in 2023, showcasing a notable disparity when compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Asian Americans had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.0%, underscoring significant differences in economic opportunities across ethnicities.

Hispanic and Latino unemployment nuances

Among Hispanic and Latino subgroups, Cubans reported the lowest unemployment rate at 3.4%, while both Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans saw higher rates at 5.2% and 4.6% respectively. These variations highlight the diverse economic conditions within the broader Hispanic and Latino community.

Comparison between White/Caucasian and other ethnic groups

The unemployment rate for White/Caucasian individuals was recorded at 3.3%, closely aligning with the rate for Cubans and slightly surpassing that of Asians. This proximity suggests a less pronounced disparity between these groups, though it remains more favorable than the rates experienced by Black or African-American and certain Hispanic and Latino populations.

Impact on specific ethnic communities

The data reveals that Black or African-American and Puerto Rican communities faced higher unemployment challenges with rates at 5.5% and 5.2% respectively, compared to the national averages of other ethnicities. This underscores the need for targeted economic policies and support mechanisms to address unemployment disparities.

Overall landscape of ethnic unemployment rates

Unemployment rates in 2023 ranged from a high of 5.5% among Black or African-American populations to a low of 3.0% among Asians, indicating a diverse economic landscape influenced by ethnicity. These statistics are crucial for understanding and addressing the varying challenges faced by different ethnic communities in the labor market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ethnic group experienced the highest unemployment rate?

In 2023, the Black or African-American group had the highest unemployment rate at 5.5%.

What were the unemployment rates among Hispanic and Latino subgroups?

In the Hispanic and Latino community, Cubans had the lowest unemployment rate of 3.4%, while Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans reported higher rates of 5.2% and 4.6% respectively.

How does the unemployment rate for White/Caucasian individuals compare with other ethnic groups?

The unemployment rate for White/Caucasian individuals was 3.3%, comparable to the rate for Cubans and slightly higher than the rate for Asians.

Terms and Definitions

The unemployment rate is a measure of the prevalence of unemployment and it is calculated as a percentage by dividing the number of unemployed individuals by all individuals currently in the labor force. This statistic is used by economists and policy makers to gauge the overall health of an economy.

Ethnicity refers to the shared cultural, linguistic, religious, and traditional practices of a particular group of people. Unlike race which usually indicates physical characteristics, ethnicity reflects shared values, experiences, and histories.

The labor force comprises individuals who are of working age (usually 16 years old and above), available for work, and either employed or actively seeking employment. It does not include individuals who are not seeking work, such as students, retired persons, stay-at-home parents or individuals unable to work.

Unemployed individuals are those people within the labor force who are physically able to work, actively seeking employment, but are unable to find a job.

The employment-population ratio is the portion of the working-age population (usually those aged 15-64) that is employed. This metric gives analysts an idea of how effective an economy is at employing its working-age population.

Underemployment is the condition where individuals are working less than full-time or in jobs that underutilize their skills, talents, and experience. This can be due to a lack of available full-time jobs or the mismatch of jobs and skills.
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