Ohio's jobless rate slips to single digits, 9.9%

11/19/2010

Ohio's jobless rate dropped in October to 9.9 percent, the first time it has been below double digits in 1 1/2 years, the state said Friday.

The rate, down from 10 percent in September, and from 10.8 percent for October, 2009, accounts for 588,000 people unemployed but 8,400 more employed last month, according to the state Department of Job and Family Services.

"The number of Ohioans with jobs increased in September, driving the unemployment rate down for the seventh consecutive month," said department Director Douglas Lumpkin.

The U.S. rate for October was 9.6 percent, unchanged from September. The local county unemployment rates will be released Tuesday morning.