Unemployment Rate: Costa Rica
Costa Rica's unemployment rate is currently 8.0% as of 2026. # Costa Rica Unemployment Rate Costa Rica's unemployment rate stands at 8% in 2026, reflecting a significant recovery from the pandemic shock of 2020.
Current (2026)
8.0%
+6.7% y/y
Peak (2020)
20.0%
Low (1989)
3.8%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Unemployment Rate — Costa Rica
1980 — 2026
Unemployment Rate — Costa Rica
Analysis# Costa Rica Unemployment Rate
Costa Rica's unemployment rate stands at 8% in 2026, reflecting a significant recovery from the pandemic shock of 2020. The country experienced its worst employment crisis on record that year, when unemployment surged to 20%, yet remains well above its historical low of 3.8% set in 1989. Since 1980, the overall unemployment rate has increased 35.6 percentage points, indicating a long-term shift in labor market dynamics despite recent improvements.
The most dramatic turning point occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when unemployment nearly doubled between 2019 (12.4%) and 2020 (20%). Costa Rica's labor market has since stabilized, with unemployment declining steadily from that peak through 2024 (6.9%) before ticking slightly upward. The modest increase from 2024 to 2026 suggests a leveling off rather than a renewed deterioration, positioning the country's employment situation within a manageable range.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 8.5% | +0.00% |
| 2029 | 8.5% | +0.00% |
| 2028 | 8.5% | +0.00% |
| 2027 | 8.5% | +6.25% |
| 2026 | 8.0% | +6.67% |
| 2025 | 7.5% | +8.70% |
| 2024 | 6.9% | -5.48% |
| 2023 | 7.3% | -37.61% |
| 2022 | 11.7% | -14.60% |
| 2021 | 13.7% | -31.50% |
| 2020 | 20.0% | +61.29% |
| 2019 | 12.4% | +3.33% |
| 2018 | 12.0% | +29.03% |
| 2017 | 9.3% | -2.11% |
| 2016 | 9.5% | -1.04% |
| 2015 | 9.6% | -1.03% |
| 2014 | 9.7% | +16.87% |
| 2013 | 8.3% | -15.31% |
| 2012 | 9.8% | -6.67% |
| 2011 | 10.5% | +14.13% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9.2% | +17.95% |
| 2009 | 7.8% | +59.18% |
| 2008 | 4.9% | +6.52% |
| 2007 | 4.6% | -23.33% |
| 2006 | 6.0% | -9.09% |
| 2005 | 6.6% | +1.54% |
| 2004 | 6.5% | -2.99% |
| 2003 | 6.7% | +4.69% |
| 2002 | 6.4% | +4.92% |
| 2001 | 6.1% | +17.31% |
| 2000 | 5.2% | -13.33% |
| 1999 | 6.0% | +7.14% |
| 1998 | 5.6% | -1.75% |
| 1997 | 5.7% | -8.06% |
| 1996 | 6.2% | +19.23% |
| 1995 | 5.2% | +23.81% |
| 1994 | 4.2% | +2.44% |
| 1993 | 4.1% | +0.00% |
| 1992 | 4.1% | -25.45% |
| 1991 | 5.5% | +19.57% |
| 1990 | 4.6% | +21.05% |
| 1989 | 3.8% | -30.91% |
| 1988 | 5.5% | -1.79% |
| 1987 | 5.6% | -9.68% |
| 1986 | 6.2% | -8.82% |
| 1985 | 6.8% | +25.93% |
| 1984 | 5.4% | -41.30% |
| 1983 | 9.2% | -2.13% |
| 1982 | 9.4% | +6.82% |
| 1981 | 8.8% | +49.15% |
| 1980 | 5.9% | — |
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