The Opportunity Florida region offers businesses a workforce of more than 125 thousand strong. As important, the needs of local businesses and industries help guide and define career training options. Our nine community colleges, technical schools, and eight high school career academies provide a regional training pipeline of ready-to-work talent.
Certifications in Auto & Diesel Mechanics, Building Tech, Engineering Tech, Robotics, Welding, CDL Training, and more continue to grow a skilled labor pool across the region’s 10 counties.
Employment/Labor Data by County
| County | Population | Labor Force | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calhoun | 13,805 | 4,726 | 3.0% |
| Franklin | 17,711 | 4,914 | 2.4% |
| Gadsden | 43,679 | 17,728 | 3.5% |
| Gulf | 14,570 | 5,163 | 2.5% |
| Holmes | 19,914 | 7,628 | 2.9% |
| Jackson | 48,010 | 17,565 | 3.0% |
| Liberty | 7,950 | 2,570 | 3.0% |
| Wakulla | 35,054 | 16,368 | 2.3% |
| Walton | 81,442 | 36,769 | 2.4% |
| Washington | 25,783 | 9,754 | 3.0% |
| Total | 467,318 | 125,005 | 2.8% Average |
Total Employees by Major Standard Industrial Classification
| Industry | Classification | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing | 01-09 | 2,625 | 2.6% |
| Mining | 10-14 | 168 | .17% |
| Construction | 15-17 | 8,310 | 8.23% |
| Manufacturing | 20-39 | 4,138 | 4.1% |
| Transportation and Communications | 40-49 | 4,943 | 4.89% |
| Wholesale Trade | 50-51 | 2,265 | 2.24% |
| Retail Trade | 52-59 | 19,647 | 19.45% |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate | 60-69 | 8,008 | 7.93% |
| Services | 70-89 | 40,043 | 39.64% |
| Public Administration | 90-98 | 10,880 | 10.77% |
Businesses will find a ready workforce and employers centered strongly around manufacturing, logistics and distribution, and value-added agriculture.
High school training academies prepare students for careers aligned with local economic needs.
Community colleges and technical schools offer Associate degrees and Certifications in mechanics, technology, robotics, and more.
Universities offer four-year and Graduate degrees, including engineering and research studies.
High School Graduation Rate
Post High School Degree
Median Household Income
CareerSource – one of the state’s highest-performing workforce organizations – connects businesses with qualified employees – at no cost. From centers across the state, CareerSource ensures employers can access the best available people and helps employees increase their earning potential by providing access to marketable skills.
CareerSource Chipola
serves Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties
CareerSource Capital Region
serves Gadsden, Wakulla, and Leon counties
CareerSource Gulf Coast
serves Gulf, Franklin, and Bay counties
CareerSource Okaloosa-Walton
serves Walton and Okaloosa counties
Opportunity Florida can help you make the most of our regional advantages and incentives. There’s so much going on in our quiet little neck of the woods. Opportunity is here - you should be too!