What is the unemployment rate in the right now?

Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the Tampa, FL area was at 4.7% in April 2026. That's a 1.3 percentage point increase from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It helps indicate the overall condition of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area job market.
In April 2026,

4.7%

of the labor force was unemployed in Tampa, FL area
April 2026 had a

+1.3

percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.

The unemployment rate in Tampa, FL area was higher in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.

Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)

Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.

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How does unemployment in the Tampa, FL area compare to other metros?

1. Introduction - Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health in any region. Understanding how the Tampa, FL area fares in terms of unemployment can provide insights into its economic stability and growth potential. - Comparing unemployment rates across different metropolitan areas helps to contextualize the economic performance of the Tampa, FL area. 2. Current Unemployment Rate - The current unemployment rate for the Tampa, FL area is X%. - This rate can be compared to the national average of Y% to gauge how the Tampa, FL area is performing relative to the broader economy. 3. Historical Trends - Historically, the Tampa, FL area has experienced fluctuations in its unemployment rate, with peaks and troughs over the past decade. - When compared to other metropolitan areas, the Tampa, FL area's unemployment trends may reveal economic challenges or advantages. 4. Factors Influencing Unemployment - Factors influencing unemployment rates in the Tampa, FL area include industry presence, population growth, seasonal employment, etc.. - These factors can be compared to those in other metropolitan areas to understand regional economic dynamics better. 5. Economic Impact - The economic impact of unemployment in the Tampa, FL area includes reduced consumer spending, increased demand for social services, etc.. - Comparing this impact to other metropolitan areas can highlight the relative economic resilience or vulnerability of the Tampa, FL area. 6. Conclusion - In summary, the Tampa, FL area's unemployment rate and its historical trends provide a snapshot of its economic health. - Differences or similarities in unemployment rates between the Tampa, FL area and other metropolitan areas can offer insights into regional economic strengths and weaknesses.
Among 108 metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force, the Tampa, FL area had the 21st highest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the Tampa, FL area's 4.7% unemployment rate were the Spokane, WA Metro Area (4.7%) and the Kokomo, IN area (4.7%).

In April 2026, the Tampa, FL area had the 21st highest unemployment rate among metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force.

Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)

Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)

Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
1.

El Centro, CA area

16.5%
2.

Yuma, AZ area

13.9%
3.

Visalia, CA area

10.2%
4.

Merced, CA area

9.6%
5.

Hanford, CA area

8.9%
6.

Bakersfield, CA area

8.7%
7.

Guayama, PR area

8.6%
8.

Eagle Pass, TX area

8.5%
9.

Fresno, CA area

8.1%
10.

Wildwood, FL area

7.9%

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Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.