Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 11.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Ponce, PR market rose by 1,402 jobs in August and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Ponce, PR unemployment rate is 601 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 250 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 1.3% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Ponce, PR Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 16,800; +200
  • Transportation & Utilities: 13,000; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 10,200; +100
  • Manufacturing: 8,700; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 6,200; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 2,400; +100
  • Financial Services: 2,200; no change
  • IT & Development: 500; no change
Ponce, PR Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.