Federal Reserve Economic Data
FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) is a powerful online database maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. It offers free access to over 800,000 economic data series, including key indicators like GDP, inflation, interest rates, unemployment, and more. Used by economists, financial professionals, and researchers, FRED makes it easy to track and visualize real-time economic trends that impact markets, retirement planning, and investment decisions.
Whether you’re analyzing historical trends or staying informed about the latest economic updates, FRED is a trusted source for accurate, up-to-date economic data
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Federal Reserve Economic Charts
Unemployment Rate (UNRATE)
U.S. Unemployment Rate (UNRATE)
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Notes
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Release: Employment Situation
Units:
Frequency:
Notes:
The unemployment rate represents the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force. Labor force data are restricted to people 16 years of age and older, who currently reside in 1 of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, who do not reside in institutions (e.g., penal and mental facilities, homes for the aged), and who are not on active duty in the Armed Forces.
This rate is also defined as the U-3 measure of labor underutilization.
The series comes from the ‘Current Population Survey (Household Survey)’
The source code is: LNS14000000
Suggested Citation:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Unemployment Rate [UNRATE], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE, August 7, 2025.
FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) – FAQ
What is FRED?
FRED is a free online database maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. It offers access to over 800,000 economic data series, including inflation, interest rates, GDP, unemployment, and more.
Where does FRED get its data?
FRED pulls data from credible sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census Bureau, Federal Reserve, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and more.
How often is FRED updated?
FRED updates data daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on the specific dataset and source agency.
Why is FRED useful for retirement and financial planning?
FRED helps you track economic trends like inflation, interest rates, and market movements: all of which affect retirement income, investment decisions, and financial strategies.
How far back does FRED data go?
Many data series in FRED go back several decades, some even to the 1800’s, making it valuable for long-term historical analysis.
Is FRED affiliated with the IRS or other government agencies?
No. FRED is maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and aggregates data from various trusted sources, but it does not provide tax or legal guidance.
How can I learn to use FRED more effectively?
The St. Louis Fed offers free tutorials, guides, and videos to help users learn how to navigate FRED, build charts, and interpret data.
