Emerald Coast Times

35.8 percent of Fort Walton Beach residents between 16 and 65 years old were unemployed in 2018, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The percentage of unemployed residents was less than the statewide total of 41.3 percent for this demographic group. In 2018 the total Fort Walton Beach population reached 18,021.

Out of 11,564 people who had a job, 624 were employed in the Armed Forces and 10,940 belonged to the civilian labor force.

The total unemployment numbers include residents of all ages who are not working.

Employment status	Number of people	Percentage of population
Not employed	6,457	35.8
Employed	11,564	64.2
Employed in civilian labor force	10,940	60.7
Employed in armed forces	624	3.5