Over 1.8 million Americans have been classified as “long-term” unemployed in a given month in 2026, meaning they have been out of work for at least 27 weeks. That accounts for about a quarter of all unemployed Americans. Long-term unemployment has seen a sharp rise in the U.S., up about 55% from 2023 and 45% from 2019. The rising amount of long-term unemployed people is a sign of what’s been dubbed the “low-hire, low-fire” environment. With companies reluctant to increase headcounts amid higher interest rates and the rise of artificial intelligence, it becomes more difficult and can take longer for people to find a job.
Producer: Juhohn Lee
Reporter: Alex Harring
Editor: Meline Rosales
Animator: Christina Locopo
Senior Managing Producer: Shawn Baldwin
Additional Footage: Getty Images
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Why More Americans Are Unemployed For Longer
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