The key facts

  • The lowest unemployment rate in Q3 2026 was in Novgorod Region (0.6%)
  • The average level across Russia is 2.2% among citizens over 15
  • On average, there are 23 job seekers per 100 vacancies

Novgorod Region tops the employment ranking

The lowest unemployment rate in Russia in July–September 2026 was recorded in Novgorod Region — 0.6%. This is reported by RIA Novosti, whose data is cited by Gazeta.Ru. Across the country as a whole, unemployment among citizens aged 15 and over stood at 2.2% in the third quarter.

Distribution by region

Second place in the ranking is shared by the Nizhny Novgorod and Kaluga Regions, as well as the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, with a rate of 0.8%. Next comes Khabarovsk Krai (0.9%). Rounding out the top five are Khakassia (1%) and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (1.1%).

Context: record-low figures and staff shortages

In October, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova statedthat unemployment in Russia remains at record-low levels; according to her, the previous historical minimum was recorded in August 2025 — 2.1%. State Duma deputy Svetlana Bessarab, meanwhile, noted that finding a job takes about five months: on average, there are only 23 job seekers per 100 vacancies. In her assessment, many industries are 'suffocating' from staff shortages but cannot fill the gaps because salary levels do not match people's expectations.