U-6 Unemployment Rate

Source: FRED (U6RATE) | Frequency: monthly | Last updated: April 7, 2026

What This Means for You

The U-6 Unemployment Rate is currently at 8.00%. Changes in this indicator can affect related areas of the economy including consumer spending, business investment, and policy decisions. (Source: FRED)

10-Year History

Historical Context

Over the past 10 years, the U-6 Unemployment Rate has ranged from a low of 6.60% in December 2022 to a high of 22.90% in April 2020, with an average of approximately 8.49%. The current value of 8.00% is near the low end of its 10-year range. (Source: FRED via FRED)

Related Employment Indicators

The U-6 Unemployment Rate is part of the employment category. Related indicators include: Initial Jobless Claims (currently 202,000K), Labor Force Participation Rate (currently 61.90%), Nonfarm Payrolls (currently 158,637K), Unemployment Rate (currently 4.30%). The headline unemployment rate (U-3) captures people actively looking for work, while U-6 includes discouraged and underemployed workers, providing a broader picture. Nonfarm payrolls measure total job creation, and initial jobless claims provide a near-real-time pulse on layoffs. The labor force participation rate reveals how many working-age adults are engaged with the job market at all, a dimension the unemployment rate alone does not capture. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What to Watch

Economists and analysts monitor the U-6 Unemployment Rate for trend changes that may signal shifts in economic conditions. This data is released monthly and is subject to revision. Changes in this indicator can ripple through related areas of the economy. Historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. (Source: FRED)

Limitations of This Data

This data is released monthly and reflects conditions as of the most recent reporting period. Economic data is frequently revised as more complete information becomes available; initial releases may differ significantly from final figures. This indicator measures one dimension of the economy and should be considered alongside other data for a more complete picture. (Source: FRED)

Explore Further