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Jacksonville Unemployment Rate Decreases in April

A vibrant urban landscape reflecting the labor market in Jacksonville

News Summary

Jacksonville’s unemployment rate decreased from 3.6% in March to 3.5% in April, according to the Florida Department of Commerce. The local labor force remains stable at 855,862 individuals, with a rise of 1,000 employed residents in April. While Duval County’s rate stayed at 3.6%, neighboring counties like Baker and Clay saw a decline to 3.5%. Job growth in the area is reported at 1.3%, below the state average, with sectors like education and health services showing the most significant gains, while financial activities faced declines.

Jacksonville has reported a decrease in its unemployment rate from 3.6% in March to 3.5% in April, as announced by the Florida Department of Commerce on May 16. This decrease indicates a modest improvement in the local labor market.

The labor force in Jacksonville has remained stable, consisting of 855,862 individuals, which includes both those employed and those actively seeking employment. In April alone, the number of employed residents increased by approximately 1,000, resulting in a total of 825,533 employed individuals in the area. Despite the overall drop in the unemployment rate, Duval County specifically held the highest unemployment rate among the five counties at 3.6%, which remained unchanged from the previous month.

In contrast, Baker and Clay counties experienced a slight decline in their unemployment rates, both now at 3.5%, while St. Johns County’s rate stayed steady at 3.5%. For reference, Nassau County reported the lowest unemployment rate within the metropolitan area at 3.4%. While Jacksonville’s local unemployment situation appears relatively stable, it’s worth noting that Florida’s statewide unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 3.7% in April.

Job growth in Jacksonville, though positive, has been characterized as slow. Over the year from April 2024 to April 2025, the Jacksonville area gained 10,100 new jobs, which translates to a growth rate of 1.3%. This growth is somewhat below the overall state growth rate, which was recorded at 1.5% during the same period. The most robust sector contributing to this increase was the private education and health services sector, which added 6,900 jobs, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 5.3%.

Meanwhile, the construction sector also showed positive performance, adding 2,000 jobs, representing a growth rate of 3.8%. On the contrary, several sectors faced declines. The financial activities sector reported a significant loss of 4,000 jobs, a 5.3% decrease, while the manufacturing sector experienced a decrease of 300 jobs, amounting to a 0.8% reduction. Additionally, administrative and support services, including waste management, lost 1,300 jobs, signifying a 2.4% decline.

The labor market outlook for Jacksonville presents a mixed situation. While there is a decrease in unemployment and some job growth, the overall pace of job creation lags behind the state average. Local workers and job seekers will be looking for more vigorous growth in the coming months to strengthen the labor market further and ensure ongoing improvement in employment opportunities.

Overall, the data from the Florida Department of Commerce indicates that while Jacksonville’s economy is resilient, workers in different sectors might be facing varying challenges in job availability. As the situation continues to evolve, monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding the broader economic landscape.