Mexico Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Mexico's youth unemployment was 5.71% in 2025, ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Mexico's youth unemployment stood at 5.71% in 2025, a decline of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.92% by 2026. Mexico ranked 30th globally.
Mexico's youth unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with a notable all-time peak of 11.62% in 1995, a period marked by economic instability following the peso crisis. Conversely, the rate hit an all-time trough of 4.23% in 1999, a year coinciding with a period of economic recovery in the country. Since then, Mexico's youth unemployment rate has generally trended upwards, standing at 5.71% as of 2025, ranking 30th globally. This rate is lower than that of some of Mexico's regional peers, such as Ghana, which has a youth unemployment rate of 5.83%, and higher than that of Bahrain, which stands at 5.42%. The relatively stable rate in recent years suggests a degree of resilience in Mexico's labor market. However, a significant downturn in economic activity or a decline in job creation could potentially push the youth unemployment rate upwards, challenging Mexico's efforts to reduce unemployment among its younger population.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.02% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 4.47% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.71% | −0.05pp | #30 |
| 2024 | 5.76% | −0.08pp | #31 |
| 2023 | 5.84% | −0.62pp | #33 |
| 2022 | 6.47% | −1.16pp | #34 |
| 2021 | 7.63% | −0.43pp | #34 |
| 2020 | 8.05% | +0.89pp | #40 |
| 2019 | 7.16% | +0.35pp | #41 |
| 2018 | 6.82% | −0.03pp | #40 |
| 2017 | 6.85% | −0.77pp | #36 |
| 2016 | 7.62% | −0.90pp | #43 |
| 2015 | 8.52% | −0.90pp | #49 |
| 2014 | 9.42% | +0.02pp | #59 |
| 2013 | 9.40% | +0.04pp | #61 |
| 2012 | 9.36% | −0.41pp | #62 |
| 2011 | 9.77% | +0.06pp | #65 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mexico matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1999. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexico's youth unemployment was 5.71% in 2025. Ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Mexico's youth unemployment peaked at 11.62% in 1995.
The lowest youth unemployment in Mexico was 4.23% in 1999.
Mexico ranks 30th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mexico's youth unemployment is projected to reach 4.92% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Mexico in 2025 was 5.71%. This ranks 30th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mexico_youth-unemployment,
title = {Mexico Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mexico/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}