Flagler County Unemployment Hits 6 Percent in January

Flagler's jobless rate reaches highest level in five years as labor markets in surrounding counties also show strain

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:53pm

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising unemployment rate in Flagler County, Florida and the surrounding region.Flagler County's unemployment spike reflects broader economic challenges facing Florida communities.Palm Coast Today

Flagler County's unemployment rate rose to 6 percent in January, up from 4.5 percent in December, the highest rate in five and a half years. The labor force was flat at 56,000, but the number of county residents who filed for unemployment rose by 400. Even St. Johns County and Volusia County saw their unemployment rates jump, while Florida lost 20,000 jobs over the year.

Why it matters

The rise in unemployment in Flagler and surrounding counties reflects broader economic strains in the region, with concerns about the national economy and rising inflation potentially contributing to the slowdown. This could have significant implications for local businesses, government budgets, and residents' financial security.

The details

Flagler County's unemployment rate rose to 6 percent in January, up from 4.5 percent in December, the highest rate since October 2020. The labor force was flat at 56,000, but the number of county residents who filed for unemployment rose by 400. St. Johns County saw its unemployment rate jump to 5.1 percent, from 4.5 percent the previous month, and Volusia County's rate jumped to 5.8 percent from 5.2 in December. Statewide, Florida lost 20,600 jobs over the year.

  • Flagler County's unemployment rate rose to 5.9 percent last November, and Palm Coast's to 5.8 percent.
  • The last time Flagler County saw its unemployment rate at 6 percent through normal economic fluctuations was in November 2015.

The players

Hector H. Sandoval

Director of the economic analysis program at the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida.

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What they’re saying

“This month's decline was driven primarily by reduced spending intentions and growing concerns about the national economy, particularly over the next 12 months. At the same time, some indicators remained positive, as Floridians reported improved views of their current personal financial situation and stronger expectations for their finances over the next year. These mixed signals are consistent with a more uncertain economic environment.”

— Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the economic analysis program

What’s next

The Florida Commerce Department's jobless figures for February will be released on April 17, providing further insight into the state's labor market trends.

The takeaway

The rise in unemployment in Flagler and surrounding counties highlights the economic challenges facing the region, with concerns about the national economy and rising inflation potentially contributing to the slowdown. This could have significant implications for local businesses, government budgets, and residents' financial security.