Sunrise County faces significant economic and infrastructural challenges despite growing tourism and agricultural potential. Its economy relies on seasonal industries, with rising unemployment and limited public services. Demographics show a young population and increasing inequality.

Sunrise County’s economic struggles stem from its reliance on volatile sectors like agriculture and tourism. The county’s unemployment rate stood at 8.7% in 2023, higher than the national average of 5.2% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Agricultural output, primarily citrus and crops, is threatened by climate-related droughts, reducing annual yields by 15% since 2020 (Sunrise County Agricultural Report, 2022). Tourism, a key revenue source, fluctuates annually, with only 30% of businesses reporting consistent profitability pre-2023 (Sunrise Tourism Board, 2023).

Infrastructure deficits exacerbate these issues. Only 45% of rural areas have reliable high-speed internet, limiting access to remote work and education (Sunrise County Infrastructure Survey, 2023). Public education funding per student is $3,200, 40% below the state median, widening the skills gap (Sunrise School District, 2023). Demographically, 62% of residents are under 35, but youth unemployment exceeds 12%, highlighting a mismatch between workforce training and industry needs (Sunrise County Demographics, 2023). Efforts to diversify the economy, such as renewable energy projects, remain underfunded, with only 5% of total investments allocated to green initiatives since 2020 (Sunrise Economic Development Agency, 2023). These factors collectively hinder sustainable growth despite recent population increases, which grew by 8% between 2019 and 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). Addressing infrastructure, funding equity, and sector diversification is critical to stabilizing Sunrise County’s trajectory.