Puerto Rico (US) Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Puerto Rico (US)'s unemployment rate was 5.99% in 2025, ranked 110th globally. This represents a 7.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Puerto Rico (US)'s unemployment rate stood at 5.99% in 2025, a rise of +0.39pp from 2024. The IMF projects 6.43% by 2025. Puerto Rico (US) ranked 110th globally.
Puerto Rico's unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past four decades, with notable improvements in recent years. The all-time peak of 23.40% in 1983 signifies a challenging economic environment, while the all-time trough of 5.64% in 2024 marks a substantial recovery. With a current unemployment rate of 5.99%, Puerto Rico ranks among the lower unemployment rates globally, comparable to Eritrea's 5.98%. The substantial decline from its peak highlights the country's economic resilience and policy effectiveness. Notably, this trend is consistent with the recovery observed in other countries, such as Portugal, which has similarly reduced its unemployment rate in recent years. The trajectory of Puerto Rico's unemployment rate is expected to continue improving, pending a sustained economic growth and a stable labor market, contingent upon factors such as external shocks or policy adjustments.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 5.86% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 5.86% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 5.91% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 5.81% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 5.98% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 6.43% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.99% | +0.39pp | #110 |
| 2024 | 5.64% | −0.26pp | #109 |
| 2023 | 5.73% | −0.28pp | #109 |
| 2022 | 6.00% | −2.00pp | #112 |
| 2021 | 7.90% | −0.90pp | #127 |
| 2020 | 8.89% | +0.59pp | #130 |
| 2019 | 8.30% | −0.90pp | #134 |
| 2018 | 9.20% | −1.70pp | #139 |
| 2017 | 10.80% | −1.00pp | #145 |
| 2016 | 11.80% | −0.30pp | #153 |
| 2015 | 12.00% | −1.80pp | #155 |
| 2014 | 13.90% | −0.30pp | #162 |
| 2013 | 14.30% | −0.20pp | #160 |
| 2012 | 14.50% | −1.50pp | #163 |
| 2011 | 15.70% | −0.70pp | #166 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Puerto Rico (US) matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1981. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico (US)'s unemployment rate was 5.99% in 2025. Ranked 110th globally. This represents a 7.0% increase from the previous year.
Puerto Rico (US)'s unemployment rate peaked at 23.40% in 1983.
The lowest unemployment rate in Puerto Rico (US) was 5.64% in 2024.
Puerto Rico (US) ranks 110th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Puerto Rico (US)'s unemployment rate is projected to reach 6.43% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Puerto Rico (US) in 2025 was 5.99%. This ranks 110th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_puerto-rico-us_unemployment-rate,
title = {Puerto Rico (US) Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/puerto-rico-us/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}