Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
O: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (July 22, 2024) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.5% in June, up 0.7 percentage point over the month and 0.5 percentage point greater than the region’s year ago rate of 4.0%. The labor force was 219,052, down 1,219 (-0.6%) over the year. There were 9,947 unemployed residents in the region, an increase of 1,602 compared to May and up 1,143 over the year.
According to preliminary employment data released July 19 by FloridaCommerce, there were 209,105 employed across the region, down by 300 since May and 2,362 fewer than the same time last year.
Levy County continued to post the lowest jobless rate in the region at 4.1%, up from 3.6% over the month and year. Marion County followed with 4.4%, also up from 3.6% over the year and 3.8% in June 2023. Citrus County reported a 5.2% unemployment rate, an increase from 4.5% in May and 4.6% over the year.
Citrus County’s labor force in June was 50,079, an expansion of 397 over the month and down 732 over the year. The county had 47,468 employed, a scant increase of 15 compared to the previous month and 1,009 fewer than the same time last year. There were 2,611 unemployed, an increase of 382 over the month and 277 more than in June 2023.
Levy County had a labor force of 17,305 which was a decrease of 84 over the previous month and 122 less than the same time last year. There was 16,602 employed in June, a drop of 167 over the month and down 203 compared to June 2023. There were 703 unemployed, an increase of 83 compared to May and 81 more over the year.
Marion County’s labor force was 151,668, an increase of 989 over the month and 365 fewer over the year. There were145,035 employed, a decrease of 148 compared to May and down 1,150 compared to the same time last year. The county had 6,633 unemployed in June, 1,137 more than the previous month and 785 more than in June 2023.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief executive officer, noted that the bump in the jobless rate and number counted as unemployed is in line with what the region typically experiences moving into the summer months with seasonal shifts in education support and agriculture employment, as well as an influx of post-secondary students returning to the area looking for summer jobs before going back to school.
Likewise, Skinner said it tracks similar upticks statewide with increases over the month in 67 counties; the rate also increased in 66 counties compared to June 2023. Only Hendry County posted a slight decrease in the jobless rate over the year.
“What we’re experiencing at this time of year is a typical summer slump; it is not unique to our region nor to any other area in Florida for that matter,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we take our foot off the gas; we know businesses are eager to hire which is why we strive to connect them with those looking for work.”
Skinner pointed to two such opportunities: the Summer Job Fair that takes place Tuesday, July 23 from 5-7 p.m. at Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala, and the Citrus County Regional Job Fair set to take place at the College of Central Florida’s Citrus County Campus on Aug. 27. Both are free and open anyone in Citrus, Levy or Marion counties.
In June, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 120,300, an increase of 1,600 jobs over the year for a 1.3% growth rate over the year.
Industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services, which added 700 jobs; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+600 jobs); Mining, Logging, and Construction (+500 jobs); Other Services (+200 jobs); Government (+200 jobs); and Leisure and Hospitality (+100 jobs).
The Other Services, with a 5.4% growth rate; Mining, Logging and Construction (+5.3%); and Education and Health Services (+3.5%) industries grew faster in the Ocala metro area than statewide over the year.
Industries losing jobs were Manufacturing (-300 jobs): Professional and Business Services (-200 jobs); Information (-100 jobs) and Financial Activities (-100 jobs).
The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which encompasses all Citrus County, reported 35,800 nonagricultural jobs with no change over the year. The Government sector lost 100 jobs compared to June 2023.
Information about fee-free job fairs, hiring events and other job seeker and employer services are available at careersourceclm.com or by calling 800-434-JOBS (5627).
State and local employment reports for July 2024 are scheduled for release on Aug. 16.
For more details, access FloridaCommerce’s employment information for the region here: June 2024 Employment Data
###
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 $15.4 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, YouTube, and LinkedIn.