Where can I find current unemployment data?

U.S. Census Bureau provides a variety of data on the unemployed:

• The Labor Force Statistics site is the most comprehensive on this topic.
• The Census 2000 Equal Employment Opportunity Tabulation has data on the unemployed by occupation, though these data are somewhat dated.
• The Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States (Section 12. Labor Force, Employment, and Earnings) provides unemployment data back to 1970 as well as some demographic data on the unemployed population. Select the edition (year) of your choice, go to the "Labor Force, Employment and Earnings" section, and then browse the tables.

You may also contact the Bureau of Labor Statistics for unemployment data on a national basis and for smaller areas.