Flagler County Adds 500 Workers, Unemployment Dips to 5.8%

Flagler County's unemployment rate improved to 5.8 percent in February, down from a five-year high of 6 percent in January. The real win? The county added 500 workers to its labor force, showing healthy growth in working-age families choosing to call Flagler home.

The number of unemployed residents dropped by about 100 people to 3,277. Palm Coast, which makes up 80 percent of the county's workforce, mirrored these improvements with a 5.7 percent unemployment rate.

This marks a shift in who's moving to the area. Between 2020 and 2025, Flagler County welcomed 25,000 new residents, but most were retirees. The February data suggests younger, working families are now joining the migration, bringing the labor force within striking distance of its September 2024 record.

The housing market is holding steady too. February saw 199 single-family home sales close, with a median price of $365,000. That's actually down slightly from $370,000 a year ago, offering a bit of relief for buyers in a tough market.

The Bright Side

While the numbers show progress, they also reveal room for growth. Flagler County ranks 45th out of 67 Florida counties for wages, with workers earning an average of $969 per week compared to the state average of $1,342.

But the improving unemployment rate and growing workforce point to momentum. More jobs mean more opportunities for wages to rise as employers compete for talent. The county's housing inventory has stabilized after peaking last July, and sales are happening at a steady clip of about 237 homes per month.

Florida's broader job market remains challenging, with statewide unemployment reaching 4.6 percent. But Flagler County's ability to attract new workers while reducing unemployment shows local resilience.

The community's growth story is evolving from a retirement destination to a place where families can build careers and futures.