Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
O: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264
lbyrnes@careersourceclm.com
OCALA, Fla. (April 18, 2025) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region dropped to 4.4% in March, down half a percent over the month but 0.4 percentage point more than the region’s year ago rate of 4.0%.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, the labor force shrank by 221 to 232,821 over the month but expanded by 2,126 compared to March 2024. There were 222,483 employed residents across the three-county area, an increase of 787 compared to the previous month and up 999 over the year. There were 10,338 unemployed in March, down 1,008 over the month and up by 1,127 compared to March 2024.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s CEO, said that “In a job market of low overall unemployment, we are experiencing an increased number of employed residents. This has resulted in a drop in our unemployment.
“That said, we still have more than 10,000 residents out of work across our region,” Skinner continued. “Our CareerSource CLM team is ready to help those looking for work and training for new careers. I encourage them to visit one of our offices and, if they are unable to find the career of their choice, ask to meet with one of our team who can help them gain skills they need to pursue that career.”
During March, Levy County continued to post the region’s lowest jobless rates at 4.1%, down 0.3 percentage point over the month and 0.4 percentage point more than the county’s year ago rate. Marion County followed at 4.3%, also down 0.3 percentage point compared to February’s rate and an increase of half a percentage point over the year. Citrus County’s rate of 5.1% was 0.6 percentage point lower than in February as well as 0.6 percentage point higher than the year ago rate.
Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was 3.5%, a 0.5 percentage point dip over the month and 0.4 percentage point higher than in March 2024.
Citrus County’s labor force of 53,884 remained virtually unchanged over the month and year, growing by 25 and 92, respectively. The county had 51,147 workers, an increase of 363 compared to the previous month and a drop of 210 compared to March 2024. There were 2,737 unemployed, 338 fewer than in February and an increase of 302 over the year.
Levy County’s labor force was 19,323, a decrease of just 7 over the month and 498 more compared to the previous March. There were 18,534 employed, 53 more than in February and an increase of 412 over the year. The county had 789 unemployed residents, down 60 over the month and 86 more compared to the county’s year ago rate.
Marion County’s labor force was 159,614, down 239 over the month and more 1,536 compared to March 2024. There were 152,802 employed, an increase of 371 compared to the previous month and up 797 over the year. The county had 6,812 jobless residents, down 610 over the month and 739 more than in March last year.
In March, Citrus County dropped from third highest jobless rate to the fourth highest among Florida’s 67 counties. Marion County dropped from 11th to 10th, tying with Dixie, Gadsen, Lafayette, Madison, Polk and Putnam counties. Levy County dropped from 24th place to 19th, tying with Alachua, Flagler, Hernando, Indian River, Suwanee and Washington counties.
Among Florida’s 25 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), Wildwood and The Villages continued to hold the highest unemployment rate at 5.8%; 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, moved from fifth highest to fourth, tying with Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA.
Nonfarm employment in the Ocala MSA was 124,500, an increase of 1,900 jobs (+1.5%) over the year.
The Ocala MSA held the third fastest annual job growth rate compared to all other metro areas in the state in the Government industry, adding 600 jobs over the year for a growth rate of 3.7%.
Other industries that grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year were: Mining, Logging, and Construction (adding 300 jobs for a growth rate of 3.0%); Financial Activities (100 jobs and +2.3%); Leisure and Hospitality (200 jobs and +1.3%); and Professional and Business Services (100 jobs and +0.9%).
Other industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services, adding 600 jobs for a growth rate of 2.9%; and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, adding 100 jobs for a 0.3% growth rate.
Manufacturing and Other Services industries were unchanged over the year while the Information industry lost 100 jobs.
Nonagricultural employment in the Homosassa Springs MSA was 36,400, an increase of 200 jobs (+0.6%) 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 2.9%.
The region’s preliminary employment summary for April will be released on Friday, May 16.
For more details about the March job numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment information for the CSCLM area here: March 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 accommodations@careersourceclm.com. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Jobs352, YouTube and LinkedIn.