Unemployment rate drops for most Americans
November US job growth helps all age groups, plus college graduates
The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7 percent in November, the lowest level in five years.
The improving jobs picture benefited a broad range of workers. Unemployment fell across almost all racial and ethnic groups, with a slight increase for Asians. It also dropped for college graduates but ticked up slightly for those with some college education.
The decline happened after the unemployment rate increased in October to 7.3 percent, likely a consequence of the 16-day partial government shutdown that month.
Here are more details from the government's report:
Unemployment rates for: | |||
(Numbers in percentages) | November 2013 | October 2013 | November 2012 |
White: | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
Black: | 12.5 | 13.1 | 13.2 |
Hispanic: | 8.7 | 9.1 | 9.9 |
Asian*: | 5.3 | 5.2 | 6.4 |
Adult men: | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
Adult women: | 6.2 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
Teenagers: | 20.8 | 22.2 | 23.6 |
20-24 years old: | 11.6 | 12.5 | 12.6 |
25-54 years old: | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.7 |
55 and over: | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.8 |
Veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan*: | 9.9 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
No high school diploma: | 10.8 | 10.9 | 12.1 |
High school graduate: | 7.3 | 7.3 | 8.1 |
Some college: | 6.4 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
College graduates: | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Duration of Unemployment | |||
Average length (weeks): | 37.2 | 36.1 | 39.7 |
Jobless 6 months or more (pct.): | 37.3 | 36.1 | 40.0 |
* not seasonally adjusted | |||
Source: Labor Department |
