News Summary
Jacksonville’s unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in June, a notable increase from May’s 3.6%. This is the highest rate recorded since August 2021, partly due to new graduates entering the job market. The region’s labor force grew by nearly 4,000, but the number of employed individuals decreased by about 300. Job growth showed mixed results, with significant job losses in the financial activities sector, while the private education and health services sector saw an increase. Amid these challenges, hopes remain for recovery as businesses adjust to seasonal changes.
Jacksonville – The unemployment rate in Jacksonville has increased to 4.2% for June 2023, up from 3.6% in May, marking the highest rate since August 2021, when it reached 4.3%. This notable rise follows the typical seasonal influx of new graduates entering the job market, many of whom have not yet secured employment.
The labor force in the Jacksonville metropolitan area has grown by nearly 4,000 individuals, bringing the total to 860,527 in June. However, the number of employed individuals in the area diminished by approximately 300, decreasing to 824,796. The Florida Department of Commerce does not adjust local labor force figures for seasonal fluctuations, which contributes to the significant shifts reported.
Despite Jacksonville’s rise in unemployment, Florida’s overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed steady at 3.7% from May to June. Nonetheless, when not seasonally adjusted, Florida’s unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage points to 3.9% in June.
All five counties in the Jacksonville metropolitan area reported increased unemployment rates in June. Duval County stands at 4.2%, while Clay County reports 4.1%. Baker and St. Johns Counties both registered 4%, and Nassau County is slightly lower at 3.9%.
Job growth in the Jacksonville area also reflected mixed results, with 8,900 jobs added to nonagricultural payrolls from June 2024 to June 2025, indicating a 1.1% growth rate. This growth aligns with the post-pandemic low recorded in May as well. However, significant job losses were observed across several sectors.
The financial activities sector faced the most considerable reduction, experiencing a decline of 5,500 jobs, a notable 7.3% decrease over the past year. The administrative, support, and waste management services also saw job losses, shedding 2,100 positions or a 3.8% decline. Additionally, the manufacturing sector lost 100 jobs, reflecting a 0.3% drop.
Conversely, some sectors showed positive growth, highlighting shifts within the job market. The private education and health services sector added 8,600 jobs, marking a 6.6% increase, while professional, scientific, and technical services saw an addition of 3,100 jobs, achieving a growth rate of 5.5%. Construction employment also improved, rising by 1,400 jobs or 2.7%.
On a broader scale, Florida recorded an addition of 142,300 nonfarm jobs over the last year, translating to a 1.4% increase statewide. These contrasting statistics illustrate the complex nature of the job market and economic recovery as cities like Jacksonville grapple with seasonal changes and shifts across various employment sectors.
As the region continues through the summer months, officials and residents alike will be monitoring trends in both unemployment and job creation closely, with hopes for a turnaround as businesses adjust to the influx of new talent from schools and universities.
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Additional Resources
- Northeast Florida Unemployment Jumps to Post-Pandemic High – Jax Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Unemployment
- Florida Commerce: State Unemployment Rate Climbs for 2 Months Straight – Florida Politics
- Google Search: Unemployment Florida
- Northeast Florida Unemployment Rate Edges Higher in May – Jax Daily Record
- Google Scholar: Florida Unemployment
- Highest Paying Jobs in Jacksonville that Require Bachelor’s Degree – WOKV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unemployment
- Northeast Florida Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.6% – Jax Daily Record
- Google News: Northeast Florida Unemployment Rate
