Philadelphians participate in the labor force at differing intensities. According to the 2007-2009 American Community Survey, 41 percent of Philadelphians 16 and older do not participate in the labor force, higher than national estimates.  Along with the increase in population in the last decade, the labor force participation rate also rose to a high of 59.5 percent. The unemployment rate and labor force participation rates reported by the 2007-2009 American Community Survey reflect the Great Recession - the period December 2007 through June 2009.  In the aftermath of this recessionary period, a higher percentage of those who want to work struggle to find work. The unemployment rate for younger adults in Philadelphia is much higher than the nation-wide average for this age group.

The unemployment rate varies by Philadelphia neighborhoods. According to the June 2009 estimates of the unemployment rate by census tract in Philadelphia County, the unemployment rate was higher in sections of Lower and Upper North Philadelphia, Southwest and South Philadelphia, Olney and Oak Lane. In those neighborhoods (marked on the map in orange and red shades) 4 of 10 adults in the labor force could not find work. 

Historical information is available through the Minnesota Population Center, National Historical Information System, current population characteristics by age are from the 2007-2009 American Community Survey. Unemployment rate by census tract data are available through our partnership with the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis at PA Department of Labor & Industry.

Tables and data used in this analysis can be downloaded here.