In 2023, some 232,000 people were newly employed in urban area, with an increase of 7.1% over the previous year. 311,000 jobs were provided for college graduates in Suzhou, and the employment rate of Suzhou college graduates reached 98.2%. 5.18 billion yuan of various employment subsidies were issued, of which 1.3 billion yuan were earmarked to employers for job stabilization, benefiting over 301,000 enterprises. 207 "Doorstep" employment service stations were also built. Professional skill training sessions were offered to 264,000 person-times. Suzhou has been honored as the best employment promotion city in China for 4 consecutive years.
The city's per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents reached 83,000 yuan and 46,000 yuan respectively, the income ration narrowed down to 1.79:1, enabling the city to retain the honor of the Happiest City in China.
The city added 1,765 beds in nursing organizations for the elderly. Home renovation benefited 12,912 elder citizens. 66 new meal assistance centers were built for the elderly, along with 166 Universities for the Elderly at the Doorstep. At the end of the year, there were 202 social service organizations of various types providing accommodation. At the end of the year, there were 752 childcare institutions. It was recognized as one of the first batch of infant and childcare service demonstration cities in China and was selected for the national child-friendly city development program.
