OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CSCLM) region was 4.0% in December, reflecting a 0.7 percentage point drop over the month and remaining virtually unchanged from last year’s rate of 3.9%. These figures, released by FloridaCommerce, signal continued economic stability across the three-county region.

“While we continue to see fluctuations across the counties in our region, the figures remain consistent. Seasonal employment fluctuations are to be expected. Overall, we are seeing very slight increases in unemployment, but an overall strong local economy,” said Dale French, CareerSource CLM’s executive vice president.

Regional Labor Force Overview

According to preliminary employment data released by FloridaCommerce:

  • The labor force reached 217,002, an expansion of 154 over the month but a contraction of 2,448 since December 2023.
  • There were 208,276 employed residents, an increase of 1,590 compared to November, although 2,663 fewer over the year.
  • Unemployed residents numbered 8,726, down 1,436 compared to November and 215 more than December 2023.
County-Specific Rates
Citrus County
  • Jobless rate: 4.8%, the highest among Florida’s 67 counties, yet 0.7 percentage point lower than November.
  • Labor force: 48,850, a decrease of 7 over the month and 801 over the year.
  • Employed residents: 46,495, up 349 over the month but 870 fewer than December 2023.
  • Unemployed residents: 2,355, down 356 from November and 69 more than a year ago.
Levy County
  • Jobless rate: 3.8%, down 0.6 percentage point over the month, tying Marion County with the 10th-highest rate in the state.
  • Labor force: 17,528, a slight drop of 4 over the month but 58 more than December 2023.
  • Employed residents: 16,864, up 111 from November and 21 more than December 2023.
  • Unemployed residents: 664, down 115 over the month but 37 higher than a year ago.
Marion County
  • Jobless rate: 3.8%, down 0.6 percentage point over the month, matching Levy County’s rate.
  • Labor force: 150,624, an increase of 165 over the month but a contraction of 1,705 since December 2023.
  • Employed residents: 144,917, up 1,130 from November but 1,814 fewer than December 2023.
  • Unemployed residents: 5,707, a drop of 965 over the month yet 109 more than a year ago.
Ocala MSA and Homosassa Springs MSA Highlights
Ocala MSA (Marion County)
  • Nonfarm employment: 123,700 in December, an increase of 900 jobs (+0.7%) year over year.
  • Industries gaining jobs: Mining, Logging, and Construction (+400), Education and Health Services (+300), Leisure and Hospitality (+300), Government (+200), and Other Services (+100).
  • Industries losing jobs: Professional and Business Services (-200), Manufacturing (-100), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-100).
  • Unchanged industries: Financial Activities and Information.
Homosassa Springs MSA (Citrus County)
  • Nonagricultural jobs: 36,100, up by 100 jobs (+0.3%) over the year.
  • Government industry: Gained 100 jobs, marking a 2.1% growth rate—at least as fast as statewide growth.
Looking Ahead

Due to annual benchmarking conducted by FloridaCommerce in February, the region’s preliminary employment summary for January will be released on Monday, March 17, while February’s report will be released on Friday, March 28.

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For more details about December’s job numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment information for the CSCLM area here: December 2024 Employment Data

About CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
CareerSource CLM provides workforce solutions and connects employers with qualified, skilled talent, and job seekers with employment and career development opportunities. Visit CareerSource CLM for more information.