Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 3.1% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL market rose by 959 jobs in February and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL unemployment rate is 79 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 60 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 15.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 75,800; -400
  • Education & Healthcare: 39,700; +600
  • Business Services: 36,500; -300
  • Government: 28,700; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 28,400; +300
  • Manufacturing: 19,700; +100
  • Financial Services: 16,700; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 15,400; +100
  • Other Jobs: 7,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.