1,000-Word Chart: U.S. Unemployment Headline Rate and Broadest Measure

Due to its complexity, much of the subject matter concerning the economy requires detailed editorial commentary, often supported by relevant tables and graphs.

At the same time, though, there are many topics (e.g., relating to demographics, housing starts, etc.) that cry out for compelling ‘shorthand’ visualizations.

Whichever path is followed, the point of the journey, almost always, is to reach a bottom line or two.

To provide additional value, ConstructConnect is now pleased to offer an ongoing series of 1,000-word charts.

These will help readers sort out the ‘big picture’ more clearly.

This 1,000-word chart looks at the U.S unemployment headline rate and broadest measure (U-6), seasonally adjusted (SA), as of February 2021.

U.S. Unemployment: Headline Rate & Broadest Measure (U-6)
Seasonally Adjusted (SA)

The long-term unemployed are now 41.5% of the total, up from 39.5% in the month prior. A year ago, they had been 19.3%.

Current through February, 2021.
"U-6 is total unemployed, plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, plus total employed part time for economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force, plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force."

Data source: Table 12, Employment Situation Report, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Alex Carrick is Chief Economist for ConstructConnect. He has delivered presentations throughout North America on the U.S., Canadian and world construction outlooks. Mr. Carrick has been with the company since 1985. Links to his numerous articles are featured on Twitter @ConstructConnx, which has 50,000 followers.