Unemployment rate inches up during 2023, labor force participation rises

Abstract

The U.S. labor market continued to expand in 2023. Although there was an uptick in unemployment in the second half of the year, the national unemployment rate remained below 4 percent throughout 2023. The labor force participation rate, at 62.6 percent in the fourth quarter, increased over the year. Notable labor market improvements occurred among people of prime working age (those ages 25 to 54); these improvements were most pronounced among women.