November jobs report reflects relatively stable workforce

The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.7% in November, the same as 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 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, according to materials provided by CareerSource CLM.

Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM CEO, said in the material 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.

Marion County had 143,697 workers 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 stated, 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.”

To learn more, go to careersourceclm.com