Labor Market Characteristics
Sarasota County’s enviable lifestyle, with its small-town feel, superior schools, and variety of recreational and cultural offerings, means people want to live and work here. Jobs in real estate development and tourism/recreation currently dominate the Sarasota County economy. Health care and retirement services also are major employment sectors. Manufacturing and technology jobs continue to build strength into the local economy.
Many Sarasota County jobs are in small-to-mid-sized businesses. Manufacturing firms employ about 22 people on average, while service and retail firms average 15 employees. Firms involved in construction average 7.5 people. The Sarasota County unemployment rate hovers between 2% and 4%.
Employment by Industry
| Industry Sector |
Employment |
Percentage |
| Agriculture |
320 |
0.2% |
| Construction |
17,460 |
11.0% |
| Manufacturing |
8,740 |
5.5% |
| Wholesale Trade |
4,501 |
2.8% |
| Retail Trade |
22,332 |
14.1% |
| Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities |
3,172 |
2.0% |
| Services |
77,411 |
49.0% |
| Finance, Real Estate, Insurance |
10,688 |
6.8% |
| Other Services |
6,793 |
4.3% |
| Government |
6,707 |
4.3% |
| Total, All Industries |
158,124 |
100.0% |
Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, (ES-202)
Unemployment Rate
|
Year |
Unemployment Rate |
|
2005 |
3.00% |
|
2004 |
3.80% |
|
2003 |
4.30% |
|
2002 |
4.60% |
|
2001 |
3.90% |
|
2000 |
3.20% |
Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Program
Occupations Gaining the Most New Jobs
Declining or Slow Growth Occupations
Solutions