Palm Coast, FL – January 2024 Jobs Report – Post-Holiday Lull with Hints of Growth

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Palm Coast’s January 2024 jobs report paints a picture of a market adjusting to the post-holiday season. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.7%, reflecting the end of temporary retail and tourism positions. However, experts remain optimistic, attributing this change to seasonal trends rather than underlying economic concerns.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate increased to 3.7%, matching the national average but higher than Florida’s 3.0%. (Source: Observer Local News)
  • No official January jobs report available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Palm Coast specifically.
  • Chamber of Commerce President Greg Blosé emphasizes the context, noting December’s typical decline in retail and tourism jobs. (Source: Observer Local News)

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Data unavailable for specific industries or occupations in January.
  • Summer job postings are starting to appear, indicating potential growth in hospitality and recreation in coming months.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail and tourism likely experienced job losses after the holiday season.
  • No official data available to confirm specific declines.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • December 2022 unemployment rate was 2.7%, significantly lower than January 2024. (Source: Observer Local News)
  • However, December is typically the low point for unemployment due to seasonal hiring.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • No official December 2023 jobs report available for Palm Coast.
  • Anecdotal evidence suggests a slight increase in unemployment from December to January.

Future Outlook:

  • Experts are cautiously optimistic about Palm Coast’s job market.
  • The post-holiday lull is expected to be temporary.
  • Continued growth in healthcare, construction, and technology sectors is anticipated. (Source: Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce)

10 Growing Occupations (Nationally):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  4. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
  5. Software Developers and Applications
  6. Physician Assistants
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  8. Occupational Therapists
  9. Physical Therapists
  10. Speech-Language Pathologists (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

10 Companies Hiring Now in Palm Coast, FL:

  1. AdventHealth Flagler Hospital
  2. Flagler County School District
  3. City of Palm Coast
  4. Florida Power & Light
  5. Publix Super Markets
  6. Walmart
  7. The Home Depot
  8. Lowe’s Home Improvement
  9. Wawa
  10. McDonald’s