Highest Unemployment in North West

Top 46 cities ranked by highest unemployment

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All Countries · South Africa · North West

Highest Unemployment — North West

1 Maile 32.4%

2 Hartbeesfontein 32.4%

3 Ottosdal 32.4%

4 Coligny 32.4%

5 Zeerust 32.4%

6 Leeudoringstad 32.4%

7 Makwassie 32.4%

8 Jan Kempdorp 32.4%

9 Sannieshof 32.4%

10 Mogwase 32.4%

11 Delareyville 32.4%

12 Swartruggens 32.4%

13 Koster 32.4%

14 Monnakato 32.4%

15 Carousel View 32.4%

16 Phatsima 32.4%

17 Lehurutshe 32.4%

18 Umzimhle 32.4%

19 Itekeng 32.4%

20 Amalia 32.4%

21 Mooinooi 32.4%

22 Stella 32.4%

23 Boipelo 32.4%

24 Fochville 32.4%

25 Klerksdorp 32.4%

26 Potchefstroom 32.4%

27 Brits 32.4%

28 Hammanskraal 32.4%

29 Orkney 32.4%

30 Stilfontein 32.4%

31 Ga-Rankuwa 32.4%

32 Mafikeng 32.4%

33 Mmabatho 32.4%

34 Schweizer-Reneke 32.4%

35 Lichtenburg 32.4%

36 Rustenburg 32.4%

37 Vryburg 32.4%

38 Letlhabile 32.4%

39 Wolmaransstad 32.4%

40 Bloemhof 32.4%

41 Hartbeestfontein-A 32.4%

42 Hartbeespoort 32.4%

43 Ventersdorp 32.4%

44 Christiana 32.4%

45 Itsoseng 32.4%

46 Marikana 32.4%

Cities with the highest unemployment rates in North West face significant economic challenges. Maile 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 Maile, 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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