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%.
- Construction: Driven by consistent population growth and a corresponding demand for real estate, the construction 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, making it the second-fastest annual job growth rate among all other metro areas in Florida.
- Government: Government employment was the second fastest growing sector, increasing 5.0% year-over-year in July 2025. This was the fastest rate of growth for this sector among all Florida metro areas.
- 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 4.7% rate of growth in the sector, making it the fastest annual job growth rate for the industry in the state.
- Remote work migration: The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County recently reported that the influx of new residents, including retirees and remote workers, continues to stimulate local demand for services, leading to job growth in various fields. This “brain gain” constitutes an estimated 135% increase in college-educated residents in 2023, solidifying the county’s position as a hub for talent and innovation.
In July 2025, the industries gaining jobs in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metro Area over the year were:
- 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.
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 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.
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.
Sources:
Job & Employment Statistics
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Population Growth
U.S. Census Bureau via FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data): Resident Population in Sarasota County, FL
Mixed-Use & Commercial Developments
Sarasota Magazine: A New Mixed-Use Retail and Residential Project Is Headed to Main Street
Sarasota Luxury Condos: Saravela Sarasota New Downtown Mixed-Use Development
Your Observer: Sarasota City Commission Clears the Way for an 18-Story Mixed-Use Project to Move Forward