Costa Rica unemployment rate holds at 7% for April-June 2026 quarter

Costa Rica's unemployment rate remained stable at 7% during the second quarter of 2026, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). This figure marks no change compared to the same period in the previous year, indicating a steady labor market condition.

The survey revealed a slight gender disparity in unemployment, with women experiencing a 7.2% rate compared to men at 6.8%. The total number of unemployed individuals was estimated at 164,000, comprising 98,000 men and 66,000 women. The net labor participation rate stood at 54.6%, with men showing a higher rate of 66.3% compared to women at 42.9%.

The INEC report also highlighted trends in labor participation, noting a slight decrease in 2025 before stabilizing around 54% in the first half of 2026. The total employed population was 2.18 million, with 1.33 million men and 855,000 women. This figure did not show a statistically significant variation from the previous year's second quarter.

Informal employment continues to be a significant factor in Costa Rica's labor landscape, accounting for 36% of the employed population. The primary sectors concentrating the workforce were trade and repair (17.7%), followed by education and health (12.3%), and the manufacturing industry (9.4%).