Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

City Hits Lowest Unemployment Numbers In Nearly A Decade


By

Lauren Evans

Published Nov 19, 2015

Modified Nov 19, 2015


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Andresr/Shutterstock


By

Lauren Evans

Published Nov 19, 2015

Modified Nov 19, 2015


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The city's unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent in October—its lowest level since February of 2007.

According to the state's Department of Labor, the NYC has achieved an unemployment rate below the national average for the first time since 2011. The city has enjoyed an increase of 94,000 private sector jobs over the past year, and added 47,700 jobs in the past month. Earnings for private sector workers have increased by 2.4 percent in the past year. September's unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.

“We are laser-focused on growing this economy and making sure it works for more New Yorkers. And what we are seeing is tremendous," Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen said in a statement. "Jobs are up. Wages are up. More New Yorkers have access to benefits like paid sick leave and a living wage. We’re determined to deepen these trends.”

The growth arrived in tandem with an unexpected $304 million increase in personal income, business and property taxes reported by Mayor de Blasio in an interim financial report earlier this month. The bonus revenue allowed the mayor to spend $169 million on police protection, affordable housing and homeless services, and an additional $135 million has been carried over for fiscal year 2017.

The added revenue allowed the mayor to increase spending by $169 million in the current fiscal year to pay for added police protection, affordable housing and homeless services. Another $135 million has been carried over as surplus for fiscal 2017, which begins July 1, the mayor said.

There are currently 4,255,100 total jobs in New York City.

Tagged

new york city

Unemployment


Lauren Evans

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves

Don't be surprised if you run into someone from your building in Beacon.

By

Elizabeth Shwe

and

Sean Carlson

Published Oct 24, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET


NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home

The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.

By

Ryan Kost

News

NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home

The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.

By

Ryan Kost


3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes

By

Michael Sol Warren

5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases

By

Charles Lane

6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens

By

Charles Lane


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .