OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 22, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.9% in November, a 0.1 percentage point dip since October and 0.6 percentage point higher than the area’s year ago rate. At 223,008, the labor force expanded by 7,289 over the year.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, formerly the Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 214,291 employed residents across the three-county area, a drop of 1,431 over the month but 5,657 more employed than in November 2022. There were 8,717 unemployed, down 282 since October but a rise of 1,632 over the year.
Levy County’s jobless rate in November at 3.7%, unchanged from the previous month, Marion County followed at 3.7%, down 0.1 percentage point over the month. Citrus County’s jobless rate of 4.5% likewise dropped 0.1 percent point since October. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was 2.9%, down 0.1 percent point over the month.
Citrus County had 52,082 workers in November, down 554 compared to October but up 2,772 over the year; there were 2,350 unemployed, 91 fewer than the previous month and 466 more than a year ago.
Levy County had 16,984 employed, 209 less than the previous month and 441 more than in November 2022; there were 646 jobless which was 20 fewer than in October and an increase of 121 over the year.
Marion County had 147,575 employed, a decrease of 759 compared to October and 2,910 more than a year ago. The county had 5,721 unemployed, down 171 over the month and up 1,045 compared to November 2022.
In November, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 121,200, an increase of 1,600 jobs (+1.3%) over the year.
Industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+900 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+900 jobs); and Government (+600 jobs).
Government, which posted an annual growth rate of 3.8% grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.
Industries losing jobs were Manufacturing (-400 jobs); Mining, Logging and Construction (-100 jobs); Leisure and Hospitality (-200 jobs); and Professional and Business Services (-100 jobs).
The Financial Activities, Information, and Other Services industries were unchanged in jobs over the year.
Nonagricultural jobs in the Homosassa Springs MSA, which covers all of Citrus County, hit 37,100, an increase of 1,500 jobs (+4.2%) over the year. At 12.8%, the Government industry grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year, adding 600 jobs over the year, and also posted the fastest annual job growth rate compared to all other metro areas.
The employment summary for December 2023 will be released on Friday, Jan. 19 2024.
For more details about November’s jobs numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment summary for the CSCLM area here: November 2023 Employment Overview
###
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 $6.9 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.