Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
O: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2024) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.7% in November, the same as it was the previous month and 0.7 percentage point greater than the region’s year ago rate of 4.0%. There were 10,174 unemployed residents in the region.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, the labor force was 216,827, down 2,250 over the month and a drop of 3,123 compared to November 2023. There were 206,653 employed residents across the three-county area, a decrease of 2,246 compared to October and 4,516 fewer over the year. The number of unemployed in the region represented a dip of just four over the over but an increase of 1,393 over the year.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s CEO, said that while “national election cycles often cause blips in workforce statistics … (the) overall data shows October and November as a relatively stable workforce.”
Marion Counted posted the lowest jobless rate at 4.4%, unchanged over the month; Levy County followed at 4.5%, also unchanged; and Citrus County rate of 5.6% reflected a 0.1 percentage point increase. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was 3.6%, up 0.1 percent point over the month.
Citrus County had 46,217 workers in November, down 709 compared to October and a drop of 1,070 over the year; there were 2,713 unemployed, 53 fewer than the previous month and 347 more than a year ago.
Levy County had 16,739 employed, 262 less than the previous month and a decrease of 176 compared to November 2023; there were 780 unemployed, which was 23 fewer than in October and an increase of 132 over the year.
Marion County had 143,697 employed, a decrease of 1,275 compared to October and 3,270 more than a year ago. The county had 6,681 unemployed, up 72 over the month and 914 more than November 2023.
“While there are still citizens seeking jobs, there have not been any sizable dips in our area labor force or employment. As we head into 2025, job listings are strong,” Skinner said, adding that fee-free services are available at CareerSource CLM centers in each county “for those who feel they need to increase their skills to be competitive, we offer financial assistance and training program that can help them gain those skills.”
In November, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 123,400, an increase of 900 jobs (+0.7%) over the year.
Adding 600 jobs over the year and posting an annual growth rate of 6.3%, the Mining, Logging, and Construction industry grew faster in the metro area than statewide.
Other industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+400 jobs), Government (+300 jobs), Leisure and Hospitality (+100 jobs), and Other Services (+100 jobs).
Industries losing jobs over the year were Manufacturing (-200); professional and Business Services (-200 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-100 jobs); and Information (-100 jobs).
The Financial Activities industry was unchanged in jobs over the year.
Nonagricultural jobs in the Homosassa Springs MSA, which covers all of Citrus County, was 36,100, an increase of 300 jobs (+0.8%) over the year. The Government industry gained 100 jobs over the year.
The employment summary for December 2024 will be released on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
For more details about November’s jobs numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment summary for the CSCLM area here: November 2024 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.
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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, Jobs352, YouTube and LinkedIn.