Occupation

Malmö is a growing city and has over 210,000 workplaces. At the same time, Malmö faces challenges regarding unemployment.

Workplaces in Malmö

Malmö has a growing labour market. According to Statistics Sweden (SCB), there were 210,649 people employed at workplaces in Malmö in 2024, representing an increase of 10.2 per cent since 2020.

Between 2020 and 2025, the number of jobs in Malmö’s business sector increased by just over 12 per cent, equivalent to more than 15,000 new jobs. Growth has been particularly strong in financial and insurance activities, accommodation and food services, and transportation and storage. Other sectors, including legal and accounting services, scientific and technical activities, and information and communication, have also expanded.

MalmöLäget

Employment rate in Malmö

According to Statistics Sweden’s (SCB) Labour Market Status (BAS) statistics, the employment rate among Malmö residents aged 20–65 was 74.3 per cent in 2025. This was lower than the national average of 80.2 per cent. Compared with 2024, the employment rate in Malmö remained unchanged. Malmö therefore continues to have a lower proportion of employed residents than Sweden as a whole.

Commuters to and from Malmö

Malmö is a regional employment hub with substantial commuter flows. In 2024, approximately 83,000 people commuted from other municipalities to workplaces in Malmö. At the same time, approximately 41,000 Malmö residents commuted to workplaces in other municipalities. Inbound commuting therefore significantly exceeded outbound commuting, highlighting Malmö’s importance as an employment centre for the wider region.

Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB), commuting statistics for 2024.

Unemployment in Malmö (ages 25–65)

Unemployment in Malmö is declining. The overall unemployment rate among Malmö residents aged 25–65 is 8.6 per cent. The unemployment rate is approximately the same for men, at 8.6 per cent, and women, at 8.5 per cent.

Unemployment is higher among foreign-born residents and particularly high among foreign-born women.

Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB), Regional Statistical Database, 31 December 2024.

Youth Unemployment in Malmö (ages 16–24)

Youth unemployment in Malmö has increased slightly. The overall unemployment rate among Malmö residents aged 16–24 is 4.7 per cent. The youth unemployment rate is higher among men, at 5.6 per cent, than among women, at 3.8 per cent.

Unemployment is higher among foreign-born young people and particularly high among young foreign-born men.