Estepona is solidifying its position as a leader in job creation, boasting its best employment figures in the past 15 years. The city has risen to become the second municipality in Andalucía with a population over 40,000 that has the lowest unemployment rate, which has dropped by two percentage points over the past year to 7.78%. This represents a significant decrease in unemployment since 2011 when the rate exceeded 27%, marking a reduction of 20 points. During this same period, Estepona’s population has increased by approximately 20,000 residents.

The latest statistics highlight Estepona’s leadership in job creation, supported by municipal policies that have notably revitalized the local economy and strengthened the labor market. As of 2026, Estepona began the year with record numbers in employment, social security affiliations, and entrepreneurship, maintaining a strong position within the Andalusian region. Over the months, not only have these positive figures been sustained, but they have also improved significantly.

Regarding social security affiliations, July saw a total of 31,054 registered individuals, which is up by 135% compared to 2011 when there were only 13,227. The municipality has also become a hub for entrepreneurship, with a rise in self-employed workers exceeding 5% over the last year, totaling 7,156 as of July. This figure is particularly noteworthy compared to 2011, when there were only 3,698 self-employed individuals. Over the past 15 years, the number of self-employed workers in Estepona has nearly doubled, showing an impressive increase of 93.5%.