
Melbourne, Australia's unemployment rate has been a topic of interest, especially with the city's labour market showing strong performance in recent years. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of employed individuals in Melbourne increased by 25,193, while the number of unemployed decreased by 532. This trend has continued, with the Victorian labour market reporting a near-record-high proportion of people employed or actively seeking employment in early 2023, indicating a very low unemployment rate. The shift towards full-time and permanent work has been notable, with 69% of Victorian workers engaged in full-time employment as of May 2023. Melbourne's unemployment rate remains a dynamic indicator, reflecting the city's economic health and labour market conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people employed in the City of Melbourne in 2021 | 90,345 |
| Percentage of people working full-time in the City of Melbourne in 2021 | 59% |
| Percentage of people working part-time in the City of Melbourne in 2021 | 34% |
| Increase in the number of people employed in the City of Melbourne between 2016 and 2021 | 25,193 |
| Decrease in the number of unemployed people in the City of Melbourne between 2016 and 2021 | 532 |
| Increase in the number of people in the labour force in the City of Melbourne between 2016 and 2021 | 24,661 |
| Percentage increase in the number of people in the labour force in the City of Melbourne between 2016 and 2021 | 33.7% |
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What You'll Learn

Employment status in Melbourne
Employment status is a critical aspect of any city's socioeconomic landscape, and Melbourne, Australia, is no exception. As of 2021, Melbourne boasted an impressive 90,345 employed individuals within the city, signifying a notable increase in employment opportunities over the years. Indeed, between 2016 and 2021, the number of employed individuals in the city of Melbourne surged by 25,193, reflecting a thriving and expanding job market.
During the same period, the unemployment rate decreased by 532 people, indicating a positive shift in the labour market dynamics. This decrease in unemployment is particularly noteworthy given the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted employment rates globally. The pandemic's effects are evident in the 2021 Census data, which shows an increase in the proportion of employed individuals who were away from work in the week preceding the Census.
In Melbourne, the distribution of full-time and part-time workers is noteworthy. Among the employed population in 2021, 59% held full-time positions, while 34% worked part-time. This breakdown highlights a preference or availability for full-time employment, which is a significant aspect of the local labour market.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on employment status in Melbourne and across Australia. Their Labour Force Survey, conducted monthly, provides valuable insights into employment, unemployment, underemployment, participation rates, and hours worked. This comprehensive survey allows for the tracking of labour force trends and fluctuations, helping policymakers and researchers make informed decisions.
In summary, Melbourne, Australia, exhibits a positive employment status with a growing number of employed individuals and a decreasing unemployment rate between 2016 and 2021. The city's employment landscape is characterised by a mix of full-time and part-time workers, with a slight preference for full-time employment. The ABS Labour Force Survey continues to provide valuable data for understanding the evolving dynamics of employment in Melbourne and the broader region.
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Unemployment rate definition
The unemployment rate is considered one of the most important economic indicators. It is the proportion of the labour force that is not currently employed but is actively seeking employment. It is calculated as the number of unemployed people divided by the sum of the employed and unemployed, multiplied by 100 to express the result as a percentage.
The labour force includes all people aged 15 or 16 and older who are either working or actively looking for work. The labour force participation rate is the number of people in the labour force as a percentage of the total civilian non-institutional population. This rate can be calculated using the formula: (Labour Force ÷ Civilian Non-institutional Population) x 100.
The unemployment rate is a lagging indicator that generally rises or falls with changing economic conditions. For example, during an economic recovery, the unemployment rate can remain high despite an increase in jobs as more workers re-enter the labour market and start looking for work. Conversely, in an economic downturn, the labour force may decrease as many people give up on finding work and are therefore no longer counted as unemployed. This means that the unemployment rate may fall even as the economy falters.
In Melbourne, Australia, the number of people employed in the City of Melbourne increased by 25,193 between 2016 and 2021, while the number of unemployed decreased by 532. In 2021, 90,345 people living in the City of Melbourne were employed, of which 59% worked full-time and 34% worked part-time.
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Labour force survey
A labour force survey is a powerful tool that provides a comprehensive snapshot of the labour market in a given region, offering insights into the dynamics between the employed, unemployed, and inactive populations. By understanding the labour force survey, we can unravel the story behind Melbourne, Australia's unemployment rate and identify underlying trends and patterns.
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Impact of COVID on employment
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on employment in Melbourne, Australia, affecting the working conditions and mental health of many.
In September 2020, research by Roy Morgan found that 70% of working Australians experienced changes to their employment due to the pandemic. This included standing down, reduced hours, and working from home. The industries most impacted by COVID-19 were Recreation & Personal, Communication, and Finance & Insurance. The Recreation & Personal industry was the most affected, with 40% of businesses slowing down or stopping completely, and 38% of workers experiencing reduced hours.
The pandemic also led to an increase in psychological distress among young people in Melbourne. In April 2020, the psychological distress of those aged 18-24 worsened compared to February 2017. The proportion of young people not in education or employment also rose from 8.7% in May 2019 to 12% in May 2020, though it decreased to 11% in February 2021.
The Australian government implemented measures to support businesses and employment during the pandemic. The JobKeeper Payment, introduced on March 30, 2020, provided a temporary wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee to help keep businesses trading and people employed.
Despite the challenges, there were also positive employment changes in Melbourne during the pandemic. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of people employed in the City of Melbourne increased by 25,193, while the number of unemployed decreased by 532. In 2021, 90,345 people living in Melbourne were employed, with 59% working full-time and 34% part-time.
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Melbourne's participation rate
Melbourne's labour force participation rate is calculated as the labour force (those employed and unemployed over 15) as a percentage of the total population over 15. Between 2016 and 2021, Melbourne's labour force increased by 24,661 people, or 33.7%. During this period, the number of people employed in the city increased by 25,193, while the number of unemployed decreased by 532.
In 2021, 90,345 people living in Melbourne were employed, of which 59% worked full-time and 34% worked part-time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the 2021 Census reported an increase in the proportion of people who were employed but away from work in the week before the Census. It is unclear whether these individuals were usually employed full- or part-time.
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Frequently asked questions
The unemployment rate in Melbourne, Australia, as of March 2025, is unknown. The latest data available is from 2021, which showed that there were 90,345 employed people in the city of Melbourne, an increase of 25,193 from 2016. The number of unemployed people decreased by 532 during the same period.
Various factors can influence the unemployment rate in a city. For example, economic downturns, industry closures, and disadvantaged populations can contribute to higher unemployment rates. Natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, can also impact data collection and employment rates, as seen in New South Wales and Queensland in March 2025.
The unemployment rate is calculated as the number of people seeking employment as a percentage of the labour force, which includes both employed and unemployed individuals over the age of 15.
Yes, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website, www.abs.gov.au, provides labour force survey data and estimates for unemployment rates in Australia. The ABS publishes monthly and quarterly labour force surveys, with the current survey being collected monthly.
Unfortunately, I cannot compare Melbourne's unemployment rate to other cities in Australia as I do not have information on specific unemployment rates for other cities at this time. However, Melbourne's unemployment rate can be compared to regional labour markets within Australia, as modelled estimates are recommended for these areas.











































