South Australia has recorded the lowest unemployment rate of any state in the country, with the latest figures showing the state’s jobless rate falling to 4.1 per cent in July.
According to new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, South Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 4.3 per cent in June to 4.1 per cent in July, sitting below the national rate of 4.5 per cent.
The result puts South Australia ahead of Queensland and New South Wales, both at 4.2 per cent, while Western Australia recorded 4.4 per cent and Victoria and Tasmania both sat at 5.1 per cent.
There were 989,900 South Australians employed in July, an increase of 400 people over the month.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said, “South Australia has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, that is a fantastic result for South Australian workers and businesses.
“It continues an incredible recent run of economic performance for South Australia.”
The Treasurer said the number of employed South Australians had also grown significantly since the 2022 State Election, with 88,200 more people now employed.
“Every single time since records were kept that South Australia’s unemployment rate has had a 3 in front of it has occurred under the Malinauskas Labor Government,” he said.
The latest figures come as the State Government continues to invest in infrastructure, skills and emerging industries, with more than $650 million in measures included in the 2026-27 State Budget to support the economy.
This includes a $50 million Research and Development Productivity Fund aimed at driving innovation, commercialisation and skilled jobs across the state.
Major infrastructure projects including the North-South Corridor and the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital are also continuing, alongside investment in industries connected to AUKUS, resources and other emerging sectors.
“We have seen survey after survey telling the same story – that South Australia is a strong, stable economy and a great place to do business.
“That’s why the Business Council of Australia has declared our state the best place in Australia to do business for the last three years running.”
The state’s economic position was also recently reaffirmed by S&P Global, which maintained South Australia’s AA+ credit rating with a positive outlook.
