Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 4,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO market rose by 24,132 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 4.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO unemployment rate is 24 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 September versus prior month by 5.5% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Business Services: 288,800; -300
  • Transportation & Utilities: 286,500; -400
  • Government: 199,200; +4,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 191,500; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 150,900; -4,500
  • Financial Services: 113,700; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 111,900; +100
  • Manufacturing: 69,600; +100
  • Other Jobs: 61,400; -600
  • IT & Development: 51,000; +100
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.