Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.5% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 7,800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO market rose by 9,399 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 4.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO unemployment rate is 61 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 250 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 6.5% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Unemployment November 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 299,100; +7,800
  • Business Services: 291,100; +1,600
  • Government: 202,600; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 193,200; +400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 150,500; -1,800
  • Financial Services: 115,600; +1,100
  • Construction, Mining: 109,900; -1,400
  • Manufacturing: 70,300; +400
  • Other Jobs: 61,300; +1,100
  • IT & Development: 50,700; -500
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.