# Colombia unemployment rate trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-unemployment-rate-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-31T15:38:52.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

In July 2026, Colombia’s national unemployment rate fell to 8.1%, marking a 0.7 percentage point decrease compared to 8.8% in July 2025. According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), this is the lowest July unemployment rate recorded in the statistical series since 2001.

The labor market grew by 578,000 employed persons, totaling 24.54 million. Job growth was largely driven by public administration, defense, education, and human health, which added 404,000 positions, alongside contributions from commerce, vehicle repair, and construction. However, the agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing sectors experienced a reduction of 204,000 jobs.

Regional outcomes varied significantly. Medellín reported a low rate of 7.0% for the May-July quarter, while Montería saw an increase to 11.2%, influenced by flood impacts on small entrepreneurs. Other areas with high unemployment included Quibdó (23.0%), Cartagena (13.6%), and Sincelejo (13.0%).

Regarding demographics, female unemployment stood at 10.1% compared to 6.7% for males, resulting in a gender gap of 3.4 percentage points. The national labor informality rate stood at 54.5%.

## Claims

- The national unemployment rate in Colombia was 8.1% in July 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The unemployment rate decreased by 0.7 percentage points compared to July 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The number of employed persons increased by 578,000 to a total of 24.5 million. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The public administration, defense, education, and health sector added 404,000 jobs. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The agriculture sector lost 204,000 workers compared to July 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The unemployment rate for women was 10.1% and for men was 6.7%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The unemployment rate in the 13 main cities and metropolitan areas was 8.5%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The national informality rate stands at 54.5%. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Colombia unemployment rate falls to 8.1% in July 2026

Colombia's unemployment rate dropped to 8.1% in July 2026, the lowest for that month since 2001, driven by gains in public administration and health, despite losses in the agricultural sector.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-unemployment-rate-falls-to-81-in-july-2026

### 2026-08-13: Los Barrios unemployment reaches lowest levels since 2008

Unemployment in Los Barrios fell to 1,739 in July 2026, the lowest level since 2008, marking an 11.37% year-on-year decrease.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-barrios-unemployment-reaches-lowest-levels-since-2008

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Cite as: Colombia unemployment rate trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-unemployment-rate-trends