Jamaica Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Jamaica's youth unemployment stood at 10.81% in 2025, a rise of +0.43pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.79% by 2026. Jamaica ranked 78th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.83% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.31% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.81% | +0.43pp | #78 |
| 2024 | 10.38% | +0.39pp | #72 |
| 2023 | 9.99% | −3.13pp | #69 |
| 2022 | 13.12% | −3.72pp | #92 |
| 2021 | 16.84% | −3.25pp | #108 |
| 2020 | 20.09% | +4.13pp | #119 |
| 2019 | 15.96% | −2.10pp | #111 |
| 2018 | 18.06% | −3.62pp | #119 |
| 2017 | 21.69% | −2.98pp | #131 |
| 2016 | 24.66% | −1.12pp | #140 |
| 2015 | 25.78% | −0.57pp | #144 |
| 2014 | 26.35% | −0.88pp | #146 |
| 2013 | 27.23% | +3.83pp | #147 |
| 2012 | 23.40% | +3.04pp | #130 |
| 2011 | 20.36% | −0.09pp | #120 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's youth unemployment was 10.81% in 2025. Ranked 78th globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's youth unemployment peaked at 27.23% in 2013.
The lowest youth unemployment in Jamaica was 9.99% in 2023.
Jamaica ranks 78th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.79% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Jamaica in 2025 was 10.81%. This ranks 78th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_youth-unemployment,
title = {Jamaica Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}