Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
O: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264
[email protected]

OCALA, Fla. (May 19, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region fell to 3.0% in April, which is a 0.3 percent point difference from March. This rate marked a decrease of 0.2 percentage point compared to the region’s rate of 3.2% from the previous year. The labor force grew to 219,119, reflecting a 3.1% increase of 6,501 individuals over the year.

According to preliminary employment data released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 212,639 employed across the region, an increase of 334 over the month and up 6,914 compared to April 2022. There were 6,480 unemployed residents, 768 less than in March.

Levy County boasted the lowest unemployment rate at 2.7%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage point over the month. Marion County followed closely at 2.8%, down 0.4 percentage point compared to March’s rate. Citrus County’s rate also saw a 0.4 point dip at 3.4%, a drop of 0.2 percentage point compared to the county’s year-ago rate.

Statewide, the jobless rate dropped 0.3 percentage point to 2.3%.

“The April employment data for our region showcases positive progress with a decline in the unemployment rate,” said Rusty Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of CareerSource CLM. “We are witnessing the strength of our regional economies. However, this also means the search for new job candidates is going to be harder than ever before.”

Skinner encouraged employers to explore various strategies to meet their staffing needs, including upskilling current employees and engaging with local school systems to recruit new talent. CareerSource CLM offers support in both areas, including training grants to assist businesses in upskilling their workforce.

In April, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 119,000, an increase of 3,100 jobs (+2.7%) over the year. The Ocala MSA had the fastest job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in Government (+6.8%), Financial Activities (+4.8%), Other Services (+3.1%), and Information Technology (0.0%) over the year.

The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which includes all Citrus County, posted 36,000 jobs in April, an increase of 1,000 (+2.9%) over the year.

For more details, access DEO’s employment summary for the region here: April 2023 Employment Overview

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Looking for a New Career? Here’s Help

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion offers in-person job fairs, hiring events, workshops and facilities for job searches, training grants for eligible candidates, career development and one-on-one consulting – all at no charge to those seeking employment. Call 800-434-JOBS (5627) or visit careersourceclm.com to learn more. Career Centers are open for self-service and in-person assistance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Searching for New Hires?

CareerSource CLM also provides fee-free services to help build and sustain businesses in today’s challenging marketplace. Services include recruitment, assessment, screening, and referrals of qualified job candidates; logistics, coordination, and promotion of customized hiring events; and grants and incentives for training new hires and existing employees. Call 800-746-9950 to learn more.

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $8.2 million (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.