Highest Unemployment in Free State

Top 69 cities ranked by highest unemployment

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All Countries · South Africa · Free State

Highest Unemployment — Free State

1 Heilbron 32.4%

2 Dewetsdorp 32.4%

3 Edenburg 32.4%

4 Edenville 32.4%

5 Excelsior 32.4%

6 Ficksburg 32.4%

7 Fouriesburg 32.4%

8 Frankfort 32.4%

9 Harrismith 32.4%

10 Deneysville 32.4%

11 Hennenman 32.4%

12 Hertzogville 32.4%

13 Hoopstad 32.4%

14 Jacobsdal 32.4%

15 Jagersfontein 32.4%

16 Kestell 32.4%

17 Koffiefontein 32.4%

18 Koppies 32.4%

19 Boshof 32.4%

20 Bethlehem 32.4%

21 Smithfield 32.4%

22 Virginia 32.4%

23 Phomolong 32.4%

24 Tshiame 32.4%

25 Allanridge 32.4%

26 Bethulie 32.4%

27 Bloemfontein 32.4%

28 Kroonstad 32.4%

29 Bothaville 32.4%

30 Botshabelo 32.4%

31 Winnie Mandela 32.4%

32 Bultfontein 32.4%

33 Clarens 32.4%

34 Hlohlolwane 32.4%

35 Dealesville 32.4%

36 Villiers 32.4%

37 Steynsrus 32.4%

38 Thaba Nchu 32.4%

39 Theunissen 32.4%

40 Trompsburg 32.4%

41 Tweeling 32.4%

42 Tweespruit 32.4%

43 Ventersburg 32.4%

44 Viljoenskroon 32.4%

45 Senekal 32.4%

46 Vrede 32.4%

47 Vredefort 32.4%

48 Warden 32.4%

49 Welkom 32.4%

50 Wepener 32.4%

51 Wesselsbron 32.4%

52 Winburg 32.4%

53 Paul Roux 32.4%

54 Kutloanong 32.4%

55 Ladybrand 32.4%

56 Lindley 32.4%

57 Marquard 32.4%

58 Memel 32.4%

59 Odendaalsrus 32.4%

60 Oranjeville 32.4%

61 Parys 32.4%

62 Zastron 32.4%

63 Petrusburg 32.4%

64 Mamafubedu 32.4%

65 Phuthaditjhaba 32.4%

66 Reddersburg 32.4%

67 Reitz 32.4%

68 Rouxville 32.4%

69 Sasolburg 32.4%

Cities with the highest unemployment rates in Free State face significant economic challenges. Heilbron has an unemployment rate of 32.4%. These communities often struggle with limited job opportunities, industry decline, or seasonal employment patterns.

High unemployment can have cascading effects on a community, including reduced consumer spending, lower tax revenues, and increased demand for social services. Understanding the causes — whether structural, cyclical, or seasonal — is important for developing effective solutions.

Many cities with high unemployment are actively working to diversify their economies, attract new industries, and invest in workforce development programs to help residents gain skills for in-demand occupations.

Did You Know?

1. In Heilbron, about 1 in 3 workers is looking for a job.
2. Seasonal economies (tourism, agriculture) can cause unemployment rates to fluctuate dramatically throughout the year.
3. Many high-unemployment cities have seen improvement through targeted economic development and workforce training programs.

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