Youth Employment and Unemployment Rates in the US Continue to Decline in Summer 2025

Strategic Insights -

The youth unemployment rate in the US hit 10.8 percent in July 2025, up from 9.8 percent in July 2024, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The employment-population ratio for youth decreased from 54.5 percent in July 2024 to 53.1 percent in July 2025, showing a decline in the number of employed young people.

Despite the increase in unemployment rates, the number of employed 16- to 24-year-olds rose by 1.2 million, or 6.2 percent, between April and July 2025. The leisure and hospitality industry remained the largest employer of young people, with 25 percent of employed youth working in this sector.

The BLS report highlights the seasonal fluctuations in youth employment and unemployment, which typically peak in the summer months. The youth labor force grows sharply between April and July, with large numbers of high school and college students searching for or taking summer jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The youth unemployment rate in the US rose to 10.8 percent in July 2025, up from 9.8 percent a year earlier.
  • The employment-population ratio for youth decreased to 53.1 percent in July 2025, down from 54.5 percent in July 2024.
  • The number of employed 16- to 24-year-olds rose by 1.2 million, or 6.2 percent, between April and July 2025.
  • The leisure and hospitality industry remained the largest employer of young people, with 25 percent of employed youth working in this sector.
  • The youth labor force grows sharply between April and July, with large numbers of high school and college students searching for or taking summer jobs.
  • The youth unemployment rates were higher for young men (11.0 percent) and White youth (9.8 percent) than in the prior summer, while the rates for young women (10.5 percent), Black youth (14.3 percent), Asian youth (13.3 percent), and Hispanic youth (12.6 percent) showed little change.
  • The participation rates for Black (52.2 percent), Asian (47.2 percent), and Hispanic (57.3 percent) youth showed little change over the year.

Statistics:

  • 53.1% of young people (ages 16 to 24) were employed in July 2025, down from 54.5% in July 2024.
  • The youth unemployment rate was 10.8% in July 2025, up from 9.8% in July 2024.
  • 1.2 million more 16- to 24-year-olds were employed in July 2025 compared to April 2025.
  • 25% of employed 16- to 24-year-olds worked in the leisure and hospitality industry in July 2025.
  • 7 in 10 of the unemployed youth were looking for full-time work in July 2025.
  • The youth labor force grew by 1.9 million, or 8.9 percent, from April (21.7 million) to July (23.7 million) in 2025.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 21). Employment and Unemployment Among Youth - Summer 2025. (USDL-25-1301)
  • https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/youth.pdf