Hunter unemployment climbs to 4.9 per cent, highest since October 2021
Australian Bureau of Statistics(Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Newy 87.8 FM – The Hunter region's unemployment rate rose to 4.9 per cent in September 2026, its highest level since October 2021, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics modelled regional estimates released on 22 October.
The rate was up from 4.6 per cent in August and 3.9 per cent in June. About 19,200 people in the Hunter were unemployed in September, an increase of roughly 1,100 on August and almost 4,000 since June.
The Hunter Valley excluding Newcastle region, which takes in Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Singleton and Muswellbrook, rose from 4.7 per cent to 5.2 per cent between August and September. Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rose from 4.5 per cent to 4.7 per cent.
Youth unemployment for 15 to 24-year-olds reached 11.0 per cent in September, up from 10.4 per cent in August and 9.1 per cent in June. Employment across the region still grew by about 8,200 over the 12 months to September.
The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 per cent in September. The regional figures come from a new monthly ABS publication of modelled estimates, which are not seasonally adjusted.
Broadmeadow-based Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said business sentiment "remains well into negative territory", citing slowing consumer spending, cost-of-living pressures and interest-rate uncertainty as causes of hiring caution. He flagged youth unemployment as a particular concern.
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