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):
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Software Developers and Applications
- Physician Assistants
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
10 Companies Hiring Now in Palm Coast, FL:
- AdventHealth Flagler Hospital
- Flagler County School District
- City of Palm Coast
- Florida Power & Light
- Publix Super Markets
- Walmart
- The Home Depot
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
- Wawa
- McDonald’s