Media Contact:

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

OCALA, Fla. (July 21, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.9% in June, up 0.5 percentage point over the month but the same as the region’s rate from the previous year. The labor force expanded to 221,863, an increase of 6,527 individuals over the year.

According to preliminary employment data released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 213,313 employed across the region, an increase of 355 over the month and up 6,402 compared to June 2022. There were 8,550 unemployed residents, 1,003 more than in May.

Levy County continued to post the lowest unemployment rate at 3.5%, up 0.4 percentage point over the month. Marion County followed at 3.7%, an increase of 0.4 percentage point compared to May’s rate. Citrus County saw a 0.5-point uptick at 4.4%. Statewide, the jobless rate rose by 0.3 percentage point to 3.0%.

Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief executive officer, said that the report shows our region’s unemployment rates are returning to more normal levels.

“What we are witnessing is the impact of new entrants into the workforce,” he said. “There are many graduates who are injecting our region with talent but have not secured a job yet. With the strong growth of open positions, the prospect for these new entrants is very positive.”

Skinner said that CareerSource CLM offers a variety of ways to help new jobseekers transition into gainful employment including paid internships or work experience, and hiring events and job fairs, such as the Citrus County Job Fair set for Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Realtor’s Association of Citrus County.

In June, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 117,600, an increase of 3,200 jobs (+2.8%) over the year.

The Ocala MSA grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year in Financial Activities (+4.8%), Government (+6.7%), and Other Services (+3.1%).

Education and Health Services; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Leisure and Hospitality; Professional and Business Services also gained jobs. Mining, Logging and Construction; and Manufacturing lost jobs over the year. The Information industry went unchanged.

The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which includes all Citrus County, posted 35,800 jobs in May, an increase of 1,300 (+3.8%) over the year. The Government industry (+4.8%) grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.

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