Australia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Australia's youth unemployment was 9.61% in 2025, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Australia's youth unemployment stood at 9.61% in 2025, a rise of +0.20pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.77% by 2026. Australia ranked 68th globally.
Australia's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades. The all-time peak of 19.27% in 1992 was a notable high point, while the rate plummeted to a trough of 8.39% in 2023, marking a substantial decline. The latest available data for 2025 indicates a youth unemployment rate of 9.61%, a level that positions Australia as the 68th globally. A comparison with peer nations reveals that Australia's youth unemployment rate is comparable to that of Pakistan, which also stands at 9.59%. This trend suggests that Australia has made considerable progress in improving employment opportunities for its youth. However, a sustained increase in youth unemployment would be expected if the country experiences an economic downturn or a shortage of job openings, which could be mitigated by targeted education and training initiatives.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 8.35% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.77% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.61% | +0.20pp | #68 |
| 2024 | 9.41% | +1.02pp | #63 |
| 2023 | 8.39% | −0.08pp | #53 |
| 2022 | 8.47% | −2.67pp | #54 |
| 2021 | 11.13% | −3.01pp | #70 |
| 2020 | 14.14% | +2.69pp | #82 |
| 2019 | 11.45% | −0.48pp | #84 |
| 2018 | 11.94% | −0.66pp | #89 |
| 2017 | 12.59% | −0.05pp | #88 |
| 2016 | 12.64% | −0.47pp | #85 |
| 2015 | 13.11% | −0.20pp | #88 |
| 2014 | 13.31% | +1.09pp | #83 |
| 2013 | 12.22% | +0.49pp | #79 |
| 2012 | 11.73% | +0.36pp | #78 |
| 2011 | 11.37% | −0.18pp | #79 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's youth unemployment was 9.61% in 2025. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from the previous year.
Australia's youth unemployment peaked at 19.27% in 1992.
The lowest youth unemployment in Australia was 8.39% in 2023.
Australia ranks 68th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.77% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Australia in 2025 was 9.61%. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Australia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}