Puerto Rico (US) Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Puerto Rico (US)'s youth unemployment was 13.98% in 2025, ranked 100th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Puerto Rico (US)'s youth unemployment stood at 13.98% in 2025, a rise of +0.90pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.12% by 2026. Puerto Rico (US) ranked 100th globally.
Puerto Rico's youth unemployment rate has experienced a significant decline over the past 35 years, with the all-time trough of 13.08% observed in 2024. This represents a substantial drop from the peak of 35.45% in 2010, highlighting the island's efforts to improve employment prospects for its youth. The current rate of 13.98% mirrors that of Brazil, ranking among the highest globally. Since 1991, the rate has gradually decreased, with a few instances of short-term increases. The downward trend suggests that economic policies and initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment have gained traction. However, the continued reliance on a single industry, such as tourism, may hinder long-term growth and job creation. A shift towards diversification and investment in emerging sectors could potentially alter the trajectory of Puerto Rico's youth unemployment rate and foster more sustainable economic development.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 10.71% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 11.41% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 12.12% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.98% | +0.90pp | #100 |
| 2024 | 13.08% | −0.09pp | #93 |
| 2023 | 13.18% | −0.51pp | #96 |
| 2022 | 13.68% | −3.52pp | #97 |
| 2021 | 17.20% | −2.37pp | #113 |
| 2020 | 19.57% | +1.01pp | #117 |
| 2019 | 18.56% | −1.94pp | #123 |
| 2018 | 20.50% | −3.56pp | #129 |
| 2017 | 24.05% | −2.14pp | #138 |
| 2016 | 26.20% | −0.38pp | #146 |
| 2015 | 26.57% | −4.13pp | #148 |
| 2014 | 30.71% | −0.88pp | #153 |
| 2013 | 31.59% | −0.37pp | #153 |
| 2012 | 31.95% | −2.61pp | #155 |
| 2011 | 34.56% | −0.89pp | #162 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico (US)'s youth unemployment was 13.98% in 2025. Ranked 100th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
Puerto Rico (US)'s youth unemployment peaked at 35.45% in 2010.
The lowest youth unemployment in Puerto Rico (US) was 13.08% in 2024.
Puerto Rico (US) ranks 100th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Puerto Rico (US)'s youth unemployment is projected to reach 12.12% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Puerto Rico (US) in 2025 was 13.98%. This ranks 100th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_puerto-rico-us_youth-unemployment,
title = {Puerto Rico (US) Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/puerto-rico-us/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}