Lexi Webster
Unemployment rates are an important indicator of a region's socio-economic status. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of people employed in South Australia increased by 93,294, while the number of unemployed decreased by 12,707. In 2021, 839,411 people living in South Australia were employed, with 57% working full-time and 37% working part-time. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Australia increased to 4.2%. This data highlights the dynamic nature of employment trends and the ongoing efforts to enhance economic opportunities for the population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people employed in South Australia in 2021 | 839,411 |
| Percentage of people working full-time in South Australia in 2021 | 57% |
| Percentage of people working part-time in South Australia in 2021 | 37% |
| Increase in the number of people employed in South Australia from 2016 to 2021 | 93,294 |
| Decrease in the number of unemployed people in South Australia from 2016 to 2021 | 12,707 |
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What You'll Learn
Unemployment rate in South Australia
The unemployment rate in South Australia is a key indicator of the region's socio-economic status. Several factors influence employment rates, including age structure, the economic base, and employment opportunities, as well as the education and skill levels of the population.
Between 2016 and 2021, South Australia's employment numbers increased by 93,294, while the number of unemployed individuals decreased by 12,707. This resulted in a 10% increase in the labour force during this period. As of 2021, 839,411 people living in South Australia were employed, with 57% working full-time and 37% working part-time.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant month-to-month fluctuations in employment figures. In June 2025, Australia-wide employment figures showed an increase of 22,800 people (0.2%) to a total of 14,637,800. Full-time employment increased by 15,800, while part-time employment rose by 7,000. The unemployment rate increased to 4.2%, and the underemployment rate remained at 5.9%.
While these figures provide a snapshot of the labour market, it is important to consider the impact of factors such as labour force participation rates and the desire for more working hours among part-time workers. Additionally, the availability of individuals to start working within a short timeframe can influence the dynamics of the labour market.
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Factors influencing unemployment
As of June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate among all Australian states and territories, with approximately 4.2% of eligible workers unemployed. This figure had increased to 4.2% again by June 2025, with 1.2 million people aged 18-75 without paid employment.
There are several factors that can influence unemployment rates in South Australia:
- Economic conditions: The strength of the economy plays a significant role in unemployment rates. A weak economy with low economic growth may struggle to create enough jobs to match the labour force, leading to higher unemployment. Conversely, a strong economy with expanding businesses and new investments can drive job creation and lower unemployment.
- Labour force participation: The size and characteristics of the labour force can impact unemployment. A growing population, for instance, may lead to a larger labour force, which could increase competition for jobs and potentially push up unemployment rates. Conversely, a shrinking labour force due to factors like an ageing population may reduce competition and lower unemployment.
- Industry structure: The structure and health of specific industries can affect unemployment rates. For example, the decline of traditional manufacturing industries in South Australia may have contributed to unemployment if those losing their jobs lacked the skills or means to transition to other sectors. Conversely, the growth of new industries, such as renewable energy, can create new job opportunities and lower unemployment.
- Education and skills: The skills and qualifications of the labour force can influence unemployment. Mismatches between the skills employers need and those job seekers have can create unemployment. For example, South Australia's transition towards a services-based economy may require different skills, and those lacking these may face unemployment.
- Government policies: Government policies can impact unemployment rates. Active labour market policies, such as job training programmes, can help reduce unemployment by improving the employability of job seekers. Other policies, such as minimum wage laws or economic stimulus packages, can also influence unemployment rates by affecting the demand for labour.
- Geographic factors: Unemployment rates can vary across geographic regions due to factors like industry concentration, infrastructure, and population density. For example, rural areas in South Australia may have higher unemployment due to limited job opportunities or challenges in commuting to urban job centres.
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Unemployment during the pandemic
Unemployment in South Australia has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in fluctuations and multiple trend breaks. While the pandemic caused significant disruptions to employment, the overall trend in South Australia between 2016 and 2021 showed a positive direction. During this period, the number of employed individuals in the region increased by 93,294, while the number of unemployed decreased by 12,707. This indicates a strengthening local economy and improved social characteristics of the population.
However, the pandemic's impact on employment in South Australia is evident in the month-to-month variations. Large fluctuations occurred during the pandemic, and specific data for South Australia during this time is limited. Overall, in June 2025, Australia saw an increase in employment by 22,800 people, with a rise in both full-time and part-time employment. This recovery trend is promising, indicating a rebound from the pandemic's effects.
The unemployment rate in South Australia is an important indicator of the region's socio-economic status. It provides insights into the local economy and the social characteristics of the population. Factors influencing employment status include the age structure of the population, the economic base, and the availability of employment opportunities. The education and skill levels of the population also play a role in shaping the employment landscape.
During the pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions impacted employment rates, as evidenced by the 2021 Census data. The proportion of people employed but away from work during the census week increased due to these circumstances. This suggests that the pandemic disrupted regular work patterns and forced many individuals to work remotely or take breaks from their regular employment.
As Australia continues to recover from the pandemic, it is crucial to monitor employment trends and support individuals seeking employment. Initiatives to enhance employment opportunities and upskill the workforce can help sustain the positive trajectory in South Australia's unemployment rates and strengthen the region's economy and social fabric.
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Employment-to-population ratio
The employment-to-population ratio is a measure of employment relative to the size of the population. In June 2025, the employment-to-population ratio in Australia was 64.2%. This means that approximately 64% of the country's population was employed.
In South Australia specifically, the employment statistics provide an important indicator of the region's socio-economic status. As of 2021, there were 839,411 people employed in South Australia, with 57% working full-time and 37% working part-time. The employment-to-population ratio for South Australia in 2021 was 60.0%, indicating that a lower proportion of the population was in the labour force compared to the national average of 61.1%.
The employment rate, also known as the employment-to-population ratio, is typically calculated for the working-age population, which includes individuals aged 15-64. This age restriction is applied to account for the growth in the population aged 65 and over and to maintain consistency in reporting over time.
In South Australia, the employment rate in 2021 was 94.6%, with a labour force participation rate of 60.0%. This indicates that a significant majority of the labour force was employed, while a smaller proportion was unemployed. The unemployment rate in South Australia was 5.4%, slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of 5.1%.
Between 2016 and 2021, South Australia experienced an increase of 93,294 people in employment, contributing to a decrease in the number of unemployed individuals by 12,707. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of the labour market and the ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions and social characteristics within the region.
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Labour force participation
In South Australia, the labour force participation rate has fluctuated over the years, influenced by various
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, 839,411 people living in South Australia were employed, with 57% working full-time and 37% part-time. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of unemployed people decreased by 12,707. However, I cannot find the precise number of unemployed people in South Australia as of 2023.
Large month-to-month changes occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in multiple trend breaks. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recommends caution when examining trend estimates from this period.
As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Australia increased to 4.2%.
As of June 2025, the employment-to-population ratio in Australia remained at 64.2%.
