Querétaro has reaffirmed its position as the state with the best labor quality in Mexico, according to the latest ICCOE index, maintaining top scores thanks to low unemployment, reduced subemployment, and strong industrial growth. Chihuahua tied in first place, while southern states like Chiapas and Oaxaca remain at the bottom.
Querétaro Leads in Labor Quality
- Querétaro scored 80.1 out of 100 in the Índice de Calidad y Competencia de la Ocupación Estatal (ICCOE), tying with Chihuahua but standing out for its consistency since 2024.
- The state’s economy, driven by the automotive and aerospace industries, has provided stable employment opportunities and reduced labor vulnerability.
- Key indicators:
- General pressure rate: 2.97% of the economically active population (lowest in Mexico).
- Subemployment rate: 1.15% (lowest nationally).
- Partial occupation and unemployment rate: 6.32% (fourth lowest).
- Informality rate: 40.7% (sixth lowest).
Chihuahua’s Performance
- Also at 80.1 points, Chihuahua excelled in reducing informal employment.
- Informal occupation rate: 16.73% (lowest in the country).
- Labor informality rate: 36.19% (third lowest).
- Weakness: General pressure rate at 5.63%, placing it 17th nationally.
Other States in the Ranking
- Aguascalientes and Baja California followed in third place with 78.5 points, leading the “yellow” category (medium-high).
- Other strong performers: Nuevo León, Jalisco, Coahuila, and Baja California Sur, benefiting from nearshoring and proximity to U.S. markets.
- Southern states such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Campeche, and Tabasco remain in the “red” category, reflecting low labor quality and persistent regional inequality.
Regional Divide
- The ICCOE highlights a clear north–south divide in Mexico’s labor market.
- Northern and Bajío states benefit from industrial relocation and foreign investment, while southern states struggle with informality, underemployment, and limited industrial bases.
Querétaro’s sustained leadership underscores the importance of industrial diversification and formal employment policies in strengthening labor markets. However, the persistent challenges in southern Mexico reveal the need for targeted strategies to reduce informality and improve working conditions nationwide.
Source: El Economista
