DENVER — Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced that Colorado’s unemployment rate declined in December to 3.3%, below the national rate of 3.5%.  Earlier this week, Governor Polis delivered his State of the State address, where he highlighted the administration’s ongoing work in partnership with the legislature to boost Colorado’s workforce and support the state’s strong economy. In that address, Gov. Polis pointed out that there are currently two available jobs for every unemployed person, with more work to be done to enhance the state’s workforce.

“We are continuing to bring good-paying jobs to Coloradans and save people money, and these efforts are reflected in our state’s strong economy. Colorado’s low unemployment rate and high rate of job growth continue to outpace the nation, but there is still more progress to be made with two open jobs for every unemployed person, which is why we are doubling down on our work to make sure every Coloradan can access to the skills they need to get a good-paying job, and every business can hire the workforce they need to power our economy,” said Gov. Polis.

Colorado’s strong labor market added 8,600 jobs in December in industries including leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, and business and professional services. Colorado’s strong job recovery rate continues to outpace the national rate, as it has for nearly two years, at 124.5% and 105.6% respectively. At 3.7%, Colorado’s rate of job growth continues to outpace the U.S. rate of 3.0%.