Data from the Active Population Survey (EPA), published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), reveals that the number of unemployed people in the Community of Madrid reached 306,600 at the end of the first quarter of 2026. This 13.1% increase compared to the previous quarter represents the largest surge since 2022.

Despite this quarterly rise, the total number of unemployed is the lowest for a first quarter since 2008. Historically, the Madrid labor market has shown an upward trend in unemployment during this period in 14 out of 24 recorded instances by the INE.

Between January and March, the region saw a destruction of 10,700 jobs, a 0.3% decrease. However, the total number of employed individuals, which stands at 3,569,200, marks the highest level for a first quarter in the entire historical series. The active population also grew by 24,700 people, reaching 3,875,800 active individuals and placing the regional unemployment rate at 7.91%.

In the annual analysis, the Community of Madrid stands out for a reduction of 45,700 unemployed people over the last twelve months, representing a 13% drop. This decrease is ten points higher than the national average, which barely reaches -3%. Madrid's unemployment rate of 7.9% remains 2.9 points below the national average (10.8%), solidifying its position as the second lowest in the country.

The region also leads in annual job creation, adding 53,300 new employed individuals compared to the first quarter of the previous year. Along with Andalusia and the Valencian Community, the Community of Madrid has generated 57.9% of all new employment in Spain over the past year. Other indicators of strength include the activity rate, the highest in the country at 63.3%, and contractual quality, with 88.6% of salaried employees having permanent contracts, exceeding the national average.