Jamaica Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Jamaica's youth unemployment was 10.81% in 2025, ranked 78th globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Jamaica’s youth unemployment rate has fallen markedly since its all‑time peak of 27.23 % in 2013, reaching a trough of 9.99 % in 2023 before modestly rising to 10.81 % in 2025, which places the country at 78th globally. The 35‑year series shows a persistent downward trajectory after the early‑2010s surge, reflecting expanded vocational training programmes and greater private‑sector engagement in youth hiring. By contrast, Poland records a comparable rate of 10.70 %, while the Gambia sits at 10.86 %, highlighting Jamaica’s position among middle‑ranked economies in the region. The slight uptick from the 2023 low suggests that recent macro‑economic headwinds, such as inflationary pressures and slower growth in tourism‑linked sectors, may be dampening further progress. Continued investment in skills development, coupled with policies that stimulate job creation in emerging digital and green industries, will be crucial if Jamaica is to sustain the decline and move below the early‑2020s trough.
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}
}