Youth Unemployment Rates from 2000 to 2024 for Groups Aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 35

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower what is the youth unemployment rate for the 15 to 24 years age group compared to the 25 to 35 years age group from 2000 to 2024.

Dr Tan See Leng: The unemployment rates for residents aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 have moved in tandem with economic cycles from 2000 to 2024, rising during recessions and easing thereafter. The relationship between the two age groups has remained broadly unchanged, with rates in 2024 at 6.8% and 3.3% respectively, comparable to the levels in 2000 [Chart 1].

As in most countries, unemployment among youths aged 15 to 24 is higher than that of older age groups due to greater job search activity among new entrants. Nevertheless, Singapore's rates remain among the lowest internationally, ranking sixth lowest among OECD countries for youths and third lowest for those aged 25 to 34.