Florida and Flagler County December Unemployment Rate Rises

Flagler's 16.9% unemployment rate is the highest in the state. The state unemployment rate is 11.8%

By Toby Tobin

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Palm Coast, FL – January 22, 2010 – Again, Flagler County leads Florida as the county with the highest rate of unemployment. December's unemployment rate in the county was 16.9%, up from 16.8% in November and 11.8% in December 2008. Florida's unemployment rate in December was 11.8% compared to 11.5% in November and 7.6% in December '08. Florida's rate is the highest since May 1975 when it was 11.9%.

Flagler was followed by:

Hernando – 14.9%
St. Lucie – 14.2%
Indian River – 14.1%
Marion – 14.0%

Nationally, the unemployment rate stayed at 10%. Eleven states and Washington DC were above the national average. Four states and the District of Columbia had rates higher than Florida:

California – 12.4%
District of Columbia – 12.1%
Michigan – 14.6%
Rhode Island – 12.9%
South Carolina – 12.6%

The counties with the highest unemployment rates have either a high proportion of agricultural employees or continued weakness in construction and manufacturing.

The data was released today by the Agency for Workforce Innovation. [Full Report]

On the plus side, Flagler County should look attractive to companies considering relocation or expansion into the area. An abundant workforce is always a positive factor.

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