In 2023, the unemployment rate for men (3.8%) was higher than for women (2.9%). In 2013, there was almost no difference between the unemployment rate of men and women. Between 2013 and 2023, the unemployment rate fell for both men (-1.4 percentage points (ppt)) and women (-2.2 ppt).
The unemployment rate decreases with age. The unemployment rate among 15- to 34-year-olds came to 6.0% in 2023, compared with 2.0% among 35- to 54-year-olds and 2.1% among 55- to 64-year-olds. For all age groups, the unemployment rate decreased between 2013 and 2023.
The unemployment rate also decreases with education level. The unemployment rate among the low educated was 5.7% in 2023, compared with 3.0% among the medium educated and 1.5% among the highly educated. For all education levels, the unemployment rate decreased compared to 2013.
Broken down by household position, the unemployment rate was highest among people living with their parents (9.2%) and lowest among cohabiting partners without children (1.6%). Among singles, the unemployment rate fell the most between 2013 and 2023 (-2.8 ppt).
Among persons who are hindered during their daily activities because of a disability or long-term health problem, the unemployment rate decreased from 10.0% in 2013 to 4.7% in 2023 (-5.3 ppt). Among persons without impairment, the unemployment rate also decreased by 1.4 ppts to 3.2%.
Finally, there are also differences by country of birth. In 2023, the unemployment rate among people born in Belgium was 2.9%, compared to 4.2% in 2013. Among persons born in another European Union country (EU27), the unemployment rate fell from 7.0% in 2013 to 4.2% in 2023. Among persons born outside the European Union, the unemployment rate decreased from 15.8% to 7.1% in 2023.