National Unemployment Rate Lowest Since 2008

The national unemployment was at an eight-year low for the month of January, sitting at 4.9 percent. 

According to job numbers released Friday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. added 151,000 nonfarm jobs in January. Gains occurred in several
industries, led by retail trade, food services and drinking places, health care, and manufacturing.

The report found the unemployment rates for adult men (4.5 percent) and Whites (4.3 percent) declined in January while the jobless rates for adult women (4.5 percent), teenagers (16.0 percent), Blacks (8.8 percent), Asians (3.7 percent), and Hispanics (5.9 percent) showed little change over the month. 

President Barack Obama said the numbers were a good indicator the country was back on its feet and that Americans were getting back on the job.

“After reaching 10 percent in 2009, the unemployment rate has now fallen to 4.9 percent even as more American joined the job market last month,” said President Barack Obama on the numbers. “Americans are working.”