Data: BLS LAUS Updated: May 2026 • National rate: 4.3%
Across 12 tracked locations in Gainesville Area, the average unemployment rate stands at 5.9% as of May 2026. This is 1.6 pp above the national average of 4.3%.
Employment is broadly improving: 12 locations recorded a month-over-month decrease versus 0 that increased. Arrows indicate change from previous month.
Click or hover a location on the map to see unemployment details. Use the buttons in the table below to zoom to a specific area.
Loading map data…
| Unemployment Rates for Selected Locations in Gainesville Area | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Current May 2026 |
Prev. Month |
6 Months Ago |
1 Year Ago |
| Alachua County, FL | 5.4% | 5.6% | 4.6% | 4.1% |
| Baker County, FL | 5.0% | 5.1% | 4.4% | 3.6% |
| Bradford County, FL | 5.7% | 5.8% | 4.8% | 3.8% |
| Columbia County, FL | 5.6% | 5.9% | 4.8% | 4.2% |
| Dixie County, FL | 6.2% | 6.4% | 5.4% | 4.3% |
| Gainesville, FL | 6.1% | 6.2% | 5.1% | 4.7% |
| Gilchrist County, FL | 5.4% | 5.6% | 4.4% | 3.5% |
| Hamilton County, FL | 7.1% | 7.3% | 5.7% | 5.2% |
| Lafayette County, FL | 6.5% | 6.8% | 5.5% | 4.3% |
| Levy County, FL | 5.7% | 6.0% | 4.9% | 4.1% |
| Suwannee County, FL | 5.9% | 6.2% | 5.1% | 4.1% |
| Union County, FL | 6.5% | 6.6% | 5.2% | 4.7% |
As of May 2026, the average unemployment rate across 12 tracked locations in Gainesville Area is 5.9%. Individual locations range from 5.0% to 7.1%. Click any location on the map or table to explore sub-area data.
The three locations with the highest unemployment rates in Gainesville Area as of May 2026 are: Hamilton County (7.1%), Lafayette County (6.5%), Union County (6.5%). These areas are highlighted in red/pink on the heat map.
The lowest unemployment rates in Gainesville Area are found in: Baker County (5.0%), Alachua County (5.4%), Gilchrist County (5.4%). These locations appear in blue on the heat map.
The U.S. national unemployment rate for May 2026 is 4.3%. This is 1.6 pp above the national average of 4.3%.
Local area unemployment data is published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, typically 3–4 weeks after the end of the reference month. This page reflects data released for May 2026. Figures may be subject to revision in subsequent releases.
Unemployment data on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, part of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Data is subject to revision. Figures reflect not seasonally adjusted rates unless otherwise noted. ZipDataMaps.com is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.