Truth Behind Unemployment Data

Official unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are widely reported, but they often fail to reflect what many people feel in their everyday lives. This report, created with the help of Google Gemini, explores a population-based model of unemployment to offer a broader view of who is not working. By comparing this model to BLS data from 2000 to 2022, the analysis highlights how different definitions can lead to very different understandings of the labor market.

U.S. Unemployment: Interactive Exploration

U.S. Unemployment Explored

Interactive data visualization comparing Refined Non-Working Population vs. Official BLS figures.

Refined “Non-Working”

Our model’s calculation of people not in the labor force.

Official Unemployed (BLS)

Individuals jobless and actively seeking work.

Refined Population Breakdown (Thousands)

Total U.S. Population
– Employed Individuals
– Non-Employed Disabled
– Non-Employed Seniors
– Children (0-17)
– Institutionalized/Military
= REFINED NON-WORKING

DATA NOTES & CITATIONS:

Total Pop: U.S. Census Bureau. Employed: BLS CPS. Disabled: American Community Survey (ACS) interpolation. Seniors: Admin for Community Living. Military: DMDC reports. Institutionalized: Constant 3.1M estimate.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *