BLS Open Data · April 2026 (preliminary)
Unemployment Rate in Essex County, New Jersey
The unemployment rate in Essex County, New Jersey was 4.9% as of April 2026 (preliminary). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
Unemployment Rate in Essex County, New Jersey and Neighbouring Counties
How does Essex County, New Jersey compare?
Unemployment rate ranked against all counties in New Jersey.
Lower unemployment than 24% of counties in New Jersey · 17th of 21
| # | County | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunterdon County | 3.2% |
| 2 | Bergen County | 3.3% |
| 2 | Morris County | 3.3% |
| … 13 more … | ||
| 17 | Essex County(you are here) | 4.9% |
| … 1 more … | ||
| 19 | Atlantic County | 5.3% |
| 20 | Cumberland County | 6.3% |
| 21 | Cape May County | 8.0% |
More data for Essex County, New Jersey
Nearby counties
Frequently asked questions
What is the unemployment rate in Essex County, New Jersey?
The unemployment rate in Essex County, New Jersey was 4.9% as of April 2026 (preliminary), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program.
Why does the local unemployment rate matter for renters and landlords?
Jobs pay the rent, so the local unemployment rate is a quick read on how a rental market is doing. When it stays low, tenants tend to pay on time and renew. When it climbs, demand can soften and more units turn over. Property managers usually look at it next to rent and income figures when they price units and screen applicants.
How often is the unemployment rate updated?
BLS publishes new county and state unemployment estimates monthly, roughly three weeks after the reference month. This page shows the latest available month (April 2026). Recent months are often marked preliminary and revised the following release.
Where does this unemployment data come from?
The figures come from the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, the official source for sub-state unemployment rates. The data is public domain.
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