Chart 1-6. The percentage of the population that is employed
has trended up since September 2003
Percent
66
64
62
60
58
56
54
1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004
NOTE: Shaded areas represent recessions. Data are seasonally adjusted.
SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chart 1-6. The percentage of the population that is employed
has trended up since September 2003
• The proportion of the population 16 years and over that was employed fell
from a pre-recession peak of 64.7 percent in April 2000 to 62.0 percent in
September 2003. The ratio has gradually edged up since then.
• While the employment-population ratio rose to 62.8 percent by the second half
of 2005, it is still well below its pre-recession peak.
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