Sarasota County continues to be a dynamic and evolving region on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As of August 2025, the area is navigating a complex economic landscape, characterized by a shifting real estate market, robust job growth in certain sectors, and ongoing population increases that fuel both opportunities and challenges. This snapshot delves into the key numbers defining Sarasota County’s current trajectory.
Job Market: Continued Expansion and Low Unemployment
Sarasota County’s job market remains robust, characterized by low unemployment rates and consistent job growth, particularly in key sectors.
As of July 2025, Sarasota County’s unemployment rate was 4.3%, while the broader North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL MSA had an unemployment rate of 4.4%.
In July 2025, nonagricultural employment in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota MSA was 353,700, an increase of 5,300 jobs (+1.5 percent) over the year.
- Construction, Mining, & Logging: Driven by consistent population growth and a corresponding demand for real estate, the construction, mining, & logging sector remains a leading job creator. In July 2025, the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota MSA’s mining, logging, and construction industry gained 2,000 jobs. At +6.2 percent, the MSA had the third highest annual job growth compared
to all the metro areas in the state in the sector.
- Government: Government employment was the second fastest growing sector, increasing +5.0 percent year-over-year in July 2025. Delivering 1,400 jobs, the MSA had the fastest annual job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in the state for the sector.
- Financial and professional services: The financial and professional services sector is an important and growing jobs driver in Sarasota County, which is home to approximately 7,500 financial and professional services companies. In July 2025, the metro area experienced a +4.7percent rate of growth in the Financial and Professional Services industry, adding 900 jobs.
WINNING
July 2025 | Job Gain Snapshot | Industries gaining jobs in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota MSA
- Mining, Logging, and Construction (+2,000 jobs)
- Government (+1,400 jobs)
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,100 jobs)
- Financial Activities (+900 jobs)
- Education and Health Services (+500 jobs)
- Other Services (+500 jobs)
- Professional and Business Services (+300 jobs).
The industries losing jobs over the year were:
- Leisure and Hospitality (-1,300 jobs) and Information (-100 jobs).
The Manufacturing industry was unchanged in jobs over the year.
Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research. Note: All data are subject to revision.
Population Growth & Development Trends
Sarasota County continues to be a magnet for new residents, driving demand for infrastructure, housing, and commercial development.
Population Increase: Sarasota County’s population continues to grow at a significant pace. While specific August 2025 numbers are pending, the trend from 2024 showed a substantial influx, and this trajectory is expected to continue throughout 2025. This growth directly fuels demand for housing, retail, and services.
Image via: Sarasota Magazine (Courtesy Photo)
Mixed-Use Developments: To accommodate this growth and cater to evolving lifestyle preferences, mixed-use developments are a prominent trend.
Projects like Saravela and The High Line, among others, in downtown Sarasota are integrating residential units, retail spaces, and public amenities to create walkable, vibrant communities.
These often include attainable housing components, responding to the need for diverse housing options.
Commercial Real Estate: The influx of residents and businesses continues to drive strong performance in certain commercial sectors. The office market maintains a low vacancy rate with increasing asking rents, while the retail sector is experiencing robust demand and new construction. Explore Sarasota and Central Florida commercial property opportunities here.
Conclusion
Sarasota County in August 2025 presents a picture of a flourishing region adapting to new economic realities. The job market remains robust, and consistent population growth continues to shape development. While challenges such as housing attainability persist, strategic mixed-use developments and a resilient local economy position Sarasota County for continued evolution and prosperity.