More Belizeans Working, Unemployment Hits Record Low

More Belizeans are finding jobs, according to the latest Labour Force Survey, which shows the national unemployment rate dropped to 2.1% in April 2025, down from 3.0% a year earlier.

The number of people employed grew by nearly 14,000, while 1,182 fewer Belizeans reported being jobless. “Only 46.9 per cent of working-aged women [were] a part of the workforce, compared to 72.3 per cent of working-aged men,” SIB reported.

The total labour force reached 183,368, and participation rose to 59.1%. Most employed persons worked in retail, tourism, public services, and agriculture. Informal employment remained high at 37.5%, especially in trade and farming.

On average, employed Belizeans earned $1,498 per month, up by $71 from last year. The underemployment rate stood at 1.8%, with women slightly more affected.

Toledo recorded the highest unemployment rate at 4.1%, while Belize and Cayo districts tied for the lowest at 1.4%. Overall, labour underutilisation, which includes the jobless, underemployed, and those ready to work, stood at 5.0%, down from 8.7% in April 2024.