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April jobless rate ticks up slightly, employment opportunities remain strong

OCALA, Fla. (May 16, 2025) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region in April remained virtually unchanged over the month at 4.5%, an uptick of 0.1 percentage point but 0.7 point more than the region’s year ago rate of 3.8%. 

According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, the labor force was 233,239, which was 380 more than the previous month and an expansion of 1,910 over the year. There were 222,824 employed residents across the three-county area, an increase of 294 over the month and up 209 compared to April 2024. There were 10,415 unemployed, 86 more than in March and an increase of 1,701 over the year.

Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s CEO, said that “April data shows expanding labor force and employment with employment lagging labor force growth. This lagging employment has driven a slightly higher unemployment rate.” 

“Job seekers, as well as employers seeking new hires, should be encouraged by the fact that businesses show a continued demand for workers,” Skinner continued, adding that events such as the Marion County Youth Job Fair which took place April 29 and attracted nearly 500 young adults and older youth, is testament to that interest. 

Skinner noted that a Citrus County Job Fair is set to take place June 10 from 3-5 p.m. at the College of Central Florida Wilton Simpson Campus.

“That job fair is open to general job seekers throughout the three-county region,” he said. “In addition, career opportunities can be accessed at our three career center locations or online through the Employ Florida website.”

During April, Levy County continued to post the region’s lowest jobless rates at 4.0%, down 0.1 percentage point over the month and 0.5 percentage point more than the county’s year ago rate. Marion County followed at 4.3%, the same rate as the previous month

and up 0.7 percentage point compared to Apil 2024. Citrus County’s rate of 5.1% was 0.1 percentage point higher than in March and 0.9 percentage point higher than the county’s year ago rate. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was 3.5%, the same as the previous month and 0.6 percentage point higher than in April 2024. 

Citrus County’s labor force of 54,054 expanded over the month and year, growing by 163 and 507 respectively. The county had 51,40 workers, an increase of 89 compared to the previous month and a drop of 16 compared to April 2024. There were 2,814 unemployed, 74 more than in March and an increase of 523 over the year.

Levy County’s labor force was 19,380, an increase of 51 over the month and 200 more compared to the previous April. There were 18,610 employed, 67 more than in March and an increase of 101 over the year. The county had 770 unemployed residents, down 16 over the month and 99 more compared to the county’s year ago rate. 

Marion County’s labor force was 159,805, up 166 over the month and 1,203 more compared to April 2024. There were 152,974 employed, an increase of 138 compared to the previous month and up 124 over the year. The county had 6,831 jobless residents, an increase of 28 over the month and 1,079 more than in April last year.

In April, Citrus County posted the third with highest jobless rate among Florida’s 67 counties, tying with Hamilton County. Marion County held the ninth highest rate, along with Dixie, Hardee and Madison counties. Levy County ranked 23rd, tying with St. Lucie, Volusia, and Washington counties.

Among Florida’s 25 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), Wildwood and The Villages continued to hold the highest unemployment rate at 6.2%; Homosassa Springs MSA, which encompasses all of Citrus County, maintained the second highest jobless rate; and the Ocala MSA, which covers all of Marion County, held the fifth highest rate.

Nonfarm employment in the Ocala MSA was 124,800, an increase of 1,300 jobs (+1.1%) over the year.

The Ocala MSA held the fastest annual job growth rate compared to all other metro areas in the state in the Government industry, adding 800 jobs over the year for a growth rate of 5.0%. 

Other industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services, adding 600 jobs for a growth rate of 2.9%; and Mining, Logging, and Construction, adding 100 jobs for a 1.0% growth rate. 

Industries losing jobs over the year were Manufacturing (-100 jobs) and Information (-100).

The Financial Activities; Leisure and Hospitality; Other Services; Professional and Business Services; and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries were unchanged in jobs over the year. 

Nonagricultural employment in the Homosassa Springs MSA was 36,500, an increase of 400 jobs (+1.1%) over the year. The Government industry grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year, adding 100 jobs for an annual growth rate of 2.1%.

The region’s preliminary employment summary for May will be released on Friday, June 20.

For more details about the April job numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment information for the CSCLM area here: May 2025 Employment Data

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Looking for a New Career in the new year? 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 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.