21st Century Working-age Employment Rate ()

US Population growth vs. Employment growth since 1999 (age: 25 to 54)

Growth since end of year 1999
Population =
Employment = ()

The delta (deficit) between known full employment (81.48% in 1999) and the current rate () is jobs.


The seasonally adjusted employment to population ratio (Employment Rate) was 81.48% in 1999 for age 25 - 54.
Chart depicts growth in employment and population for the 21st century (age: 25 to 54).

Why are we using the 25 to 54 age group?

  1. This is the age group that must thrive and purchase a home for a successful retirement.
  2. This is the age group that includes the majority of new immigrants.(56% of new Legal Permanent Residents (614,848) in this age group in 2018)
  3. Temporary Employment Immigrants. (91.6% of H-1B Initial Employment Approvals (85,342), in 25 to 54 age group in FY 2018.)
  4. For the most part, this group is beyond the age of a full time student.
  5. Fifty-four years of age would be considered a young retirement

  • Method:
  • In the 25 to 54 year age-group, the population level of December 31, 1999, is subtracted from the current population level. Likewise, the employment level of December 31, 1999, is subtracted from the current employment level.
    • The red shaded area represents population growth in the age-group since January 1, 2000
    • The blue shaded area is a representation of "full" employment level, had full employment growth kept pace with population growth.
    • The green shaded area is the employment level, within the age group, for the closing or current month of the year.
    • The chart's zero-line is the number of persons (age group 25 to 54) employed on January 1, 2000.

  • Data:
  • Civilian Noninstitutional Population - 25 to 54 years (LNU00000060) Chart
  • Employment Level: 25 to 54 years (LNU02000060) Chart
  • *Unadjusted data. (Adjusted data is not available for both data-sets)