China national urban unemployment rate
China national urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2% in Jul 2026, according to National Statistics Office (NSO) of China (NBS). It is one of the indicators in the Unemployment rate table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2018 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Unemployment rate table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National urban unemployment | 5.2 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 | |
| 31 major cities unemployment | 5.2 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 | |
| Local hukou population unemployment | 5.2 | 5 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Understanding china national urban unemployment rate
This metric reflects the percentage of the urban labour force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment. The survey covers the entire labour force residing in cities and towns, regardless of household registration status, while entirely excluding rural areas and individuals not seeking to participate in the labour market. Compared to metrics disaggregated by specific age groups or demographic origins, this is the most general measure presenting the overall picture of the urban labour force.
The index is tracked and published on a monthly basis. When analysing the data, observers should note that figures in the early months of the year are often heavily distorted by the extended Lunar New Year holiday, which temporarily disrupts hiring and job-seeking activities. Comparing the data with the same period of the previous year provides a more accurate assessment than a direct comparison with the immediately preceding month. In addition, figures for the most recent period are typically estimated on a preliminary basis and are subject to revision in subsequent releases.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this unemployment rate account for the rural labour force?
- No, this metric completely excludes rural areas and only covers urban data.
- Why does unemployment volatility typically spike in the early months of the year?
- Major holidays disrupt recruitment activities and drive job-switching waves, creating temporary data noise.
- Which comparison cycle should be used to minimize distortion?
- Users should compare against the same period of the previous year to eliminate monthly seasonal factors.