September 2023 Jobs Day Analysis

The Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases how the numbers impact Black workers. Our September Jobs Day analysis is below.

In September, the unemployment rate for Black workers slightly increased to 5.7 percent.

At 5.3 percent, the unemployment rate for Black women remained steady last month while the rate for Black men slightly climbed to 6.2 percent, the highest it’s been since August 2022.

The total number of Black workers increased by 20,000 in September, continuing a slow, but steady increase since July.

At 12.8 percent, the unemployment rate for young Black workers slightly increased and remains elevated compared to their non-Black colleagues.

Despite positive gains in employment numbers and a steady unemployment rate, there are still areas of concern for how the labor market is serving Black workers. Last month, a staggering 21.9 percent of Black renters reported being behind on rent.

Additionally, 46.4 percent of Black households reported they are either “somewhat” or “very” likely to have to move due to eviction.

After a three and a half year pause on student loan payments, October marks the first month that borrowers are expected to make payments again. Last year, the Joint Center highlighted how Black borrowers are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt.

While we should not take a steady labor market for granted, we are not yet at full employment. Black workers are often at the margins of economic change, and historically, have borne the brunt of downturns.

Follow the Joint Center on X for monthly Jobs Day updates.