Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
New York’s economy slowly creeps back as unemployment drops slightly
By
Chau Lam
Published Oct 20, 2022
Modified Oct 20, 2022
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 .
By
Chau Lam
Published Oct 20, 2022
Modified Oct 20, 2022
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
New York’s economy is looking a tad brighter as the state added 17,400 jobs in September and the unemployment rate dropped slightly, the state Department of Labor announced on Thursday.
The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% in August to 4.3% in September, the agency said in a press release.
The decrease was led by New York City, which saw its unemployment rate drop from 6.6% in August to 5.6% in September.
Mayor Eric Adams heralded the news in a statement on Thursday.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: New York City isn’t just coming back, it’s back," Adams said. "We’re seeing the highest labor force participation in 12 years, with more New Yorkers reentering the workforce and more New Yorkers finding jobs. Every day, I hear about another business launching or moving to the five boroughs. In fact, one in 10 businesses in New York City has opened in the past year."
Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate ticked up from 3.2% to 3.3%.
New York’s economy, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, is slowly rebounding from where it was last year. The unemployment rate fell from 5.7% last September to 3.9% last month, according to the non-seasonally adjusted data used to make year-to-year comparisons.
This story has been updated to include comment from Mayor Eric Adams.
Tagged
new york city
economy
new york state
jobs report
Chau Lam
Chau Lam was a reporter at Gothamist.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
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 .