The working population in Simalungun Regency is 536,290, and the unemployment rate is 5.35%.

The number of workers in Simalungun Regency has shown an upward trend over the past 14 years. A different situation emerged in the four years following the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the number of workers continued its upward trend. In 2021, the number of workers was recorded at 449,680, increasing to 536,290 in 2023.

This data on the working population is derived from the annual Sakernas survey conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The definition of a working person in the Sakernas survey methodology is as follows: A working person is defined as someone aged 15 years and older who has worked for at least one hour in the past week with the intention of earning or helping to earn income or profit. This one hour of work must be consecutive and uninterrupted.

Meanwhile, BPS released data showing that the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Simalungun Regency reached 5.35% in 2023. This figure decreased by 0.16% compared to December 2022, which recorded 5.51%. However, compared to December 2021, it increased by 1.18%.

The decrease in the open unemployment rate (TPT) reflects the number of working people and the labor force figures published by BPS this year. The labor force in Simalungun Regency has increased over the past three years. Historically, in 2021, it was recorded at 469,220 workers, decreased to 456,080 in 2022, and increased to 566,620 in 2023.

Compared to other regencies/cities, the open unemployment rate (TPT) in this regency/city ranks 148th nationally. The national average open unemployment rate (TPT) in 2023 was 4.3%.

The decrease in the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Simalungun Regency is not directly related to the economic growth in this region, which also continued to increase in 2023. The economy in this region in 2023 recorded a growth of 5.07 percent. Previously, in 2022, economic growth in this regency/city was recorded at 4.68 percent.

Population Data in Simalungun Regency:

The population of Simalungun Regency was recorded at 1.02 million as of 2024. This figure is lower than in 2023 and lower than in December 2021. Compared to the previous five years, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of this region is recorded as higher. The growth over the last five years was recorded at 3.43%.

In terms of nominal value compared to other areas in North Sumatra Province, this regency/city is among the top five; while in terms of island ranking, it is 11th.

In 2024, the majority of the population of Simalungun Regency was in the productive age group (15-59 years), totaling 682,630 or 66.76% of the total population. Children (0-14 years) and the elderly (over 60 years) comprised 20.52% and 12.73%, respectively.

The following is the population by age group in Simalungun Regency in June 2024, sourced from BPS publications:

* Age 0-4 years: 41,640 (4.07%)
* Age 5-9 years: 76,250 (7.46%)
* Age 10-14 years: 91,900 (8.99%)
* Age 15-19 years: 98,430 (9.63%)
* Age 20-24 years: 92,940 (9.09%)
* Age 25-29 years: 81,750 (7.99%)
* Age 30-34 years: 74,450 (7.28%)
* Age 35-39 years: 77,480 (7.58%)
* Age 40-44 years: 81,360 (7.96%)
* Age 45-49 years: 67,980 (6.65%)
* Age 50-54 years: 59,300 (5.80%)
* Age 55-59 years: 48,930 (4.79%)
* Age 60-64 years: 41,500 (4.06%)
* Age 65-69 years: 34,660 (3.39%)
* Age 70-74 years: 25,490 (2.49%)
* Age 75 years and over: 28,490 (2.79%)