Labor Force Participation Rate
US Labor Force Participation Rate — Historical Chart
61.4%
▼ 1.29% YoYJul 2026
All-Time High
67.3%
All-Time Low
58.1%
Data Since
1948
Source: FRED / BLSShaded = NBER recessions
The percentage of the civilian non-institutional population that is either employed or actively seeking work. Peaked at 67.3% in 2000 and has structurally declined since — revealing the "hidden" unemployment not captured by the headline rate. The COVID drop and partial recovery are starkly visible.