The U.S. Latino unemployment rate dropped during February as labor force participation increased.

Unemployment Rate Drops, but Millions Still Not Working

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on February data, the Latino unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent, down from January's 5.9. The new number is a considerable decline from February 2015's 6.7 percent Latino unemployment rate.

The BLS indicated slightly more than 26.4 million Latinos are in the civilian labor force, which takes into account both employed and unemployed demographics. While almost 25.2 million Latinos were employed during February, over 1.4 million were unemployed. The unemployment rate takes into account individuals who were laid off, who are expecting to return to the workforce and those actively seeking employment.

A real determination of the rate of jobless Latinos includes those not actively seeking employment, a significantly high figure at nearly 13.7 million Latinos. Although the unemployment rate dropped considerably between February 2015 and February 2016, the rate of Latinos not in the labor force has remained consistent at more than 13 million people.

Taking into account gender, the unemployment rate for Latino men, ages 20 and older, dropped from January's 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent last month. Among Latinas, the unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, also down from January's 5.9 percent. More Latino men than Latinas were employed during February -- 14.7 million to approximately 10.7 million.

Overall Employment

The overall U.S. unemployment rate, regardless of ethnicity, did not change between January and February, staying at 4.9 percent as a result of 242,000 new, non-farm jobs last month. The number of Americans not in the labor force declined from 94 million in January to 93.7 million.

"Job growth occurred in health care and social assistance, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and private educational services. Mining employment continued to decline," said BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen.

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez said the latest employment report demonstrated the country's "continued economic vitality," but added that there are still challenges to meet such as closing opportunity gaps and inequalities.

"We are both proud of how far the economy has come and eager to make continued progress. In the remaining 10-and-a-half months of this administration -- the 322 days until 'the weekend' -- we will do all we can to help all our people enjoy the fruits of this recovery, to create the shared prosperity America needs and deserves," Perez later said.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

Related