In August 2025, long-term unemployment in the U.S. peaked at 1.94 million people, raising concerns among experts about a potential recession.
Long-Term Unemployment Surge
Long-term unemployment in the U.S. reached 1.94 million in August 2025, signifying an increase in individuals jobless for over 27 weeks. This surge is among the largest since the 2020 and 2008 recessions. The proportion of unemployed Americans jobless for 27 weeks or more has climbed to 26.3%, reflecting a substantial increase over the past 20 months since December 2023.
Job Losses in Non-Healthcare Sectors
Non-healthcare sectors continue to experience significant job losses, reporting a loss of 142,200 jobs over the past four months. This marks the steepest job loss since 2020, often seen as a precursor to a recession, echoing historical patterns.
Cryptocurrencies Amid Economic Uncertainty
Despite the worsening labor market situation, major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin show relative stability. As of September 8, 2025, Bitcoin traded at $110,854.17, with a slight increase of 0.39% over the past 24 hours. Analysts point out that deteriorating job market conditions may influence investors' risk perceptions regarding cryptocurrencies.
The rise in long-term unemployment in the U.S. indicates potential economic challenges, yet certain sectors, such as cryptocurrencies, continue to demonstrate resilience.