Media Contact:

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

OCALA, Fla. (June 16, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.4% in May, up 0.4 percentage point over the month but the same as the region’s rate from the previous year. The labor force expanded to 220,527, an increase of 5,358 individuals over the year.

According to preliminary employment data released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 212,970 employed across the region, an increase of 329 over the month and up 5,058 compared to May 2022. There were 6,474 unemployed residents, 1,083 fewer than in April.

Levy County continued to post the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, up 0.4 percentage point over the month. Marion County followed at 3.3%, an increase of 0.5 percentage point compared to April’s rate. Citrus County also saw a 0.5-point uptick at 3.9%. Statewide, the jobless rate rose by 0.4 percentage point to 2.7%.

Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief executive officer, said that the report shows growth in the labor market for all three counties with the growth in employment “lagging somewhat” over the month, accounting for the slight rise in the unemployment rate.

“This reflects seasonal changes we historically experience at this time of year,” he said. “But really what we are seeing, when you look at the ongoing growth over the year, is that businesses continue to add new jobs, and finding the right candidates to fill those jobs with lower unemployment proves to be a challenge for many.”

Skinner said that CareerSource CLM offers a variety of ways to help employers meet workforce needs including training grants and internships, upskilling current employees, partnering with local school systems to recruit new talent, and hiring events and job fairs, such as the Tri-County Job and Resource Fair set for July 20 at the College of Central Florida’s campus in Chiefland.

In May, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 119,500, an increase of 3,700 jobs (+3.2%) over the year.

The Ocala MSA led all metros statewide with the fastest annual job growth rate in Financial Activities (+4.8%) and tied for the second fastest annual job growth rate in Government (+6.7%). The Professional and Business Services industry (+3.6%) also grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.

Education and Health Services; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Leisure and Hospitality; Mining, Logging and Construction; and Manufacturing also gained jobs. Information and Other Services were unchanged over the year and no industries lost jobs.

The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which includes all Citrus County, posted 36,300 jobs in May, an increase of 1,200 (+3.4%) over the year. The Government industry (+4.3%) grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.

For more details, access DEO’s employment summary for the region here: May 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.