Ohio unemployment rate is less than 7% for first since 2008

11/16/2012

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s unemployment rate dipped to 6.9 percent last month, the first time it’s been below 7 percent since August, 2008, as the state continues to recover from the steep recession.

The rate dropped from a revised 7.1 percent rate in September.

The number of unemployed Ohioans fell by 10,000 last month to 396,000, according to figures released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The report also showed that the state’s nonfarm employers added 13,900 jobs last month.

The sectors showing the biggest gains last month included professional and business services, with an added 7,300 jobs, government, an added 5,200 jobs, educational and health services, an added 3,400, and other services, 3,100 jobs.

The trade, transportation, and utilities category shed 3,800 jobs, and manufacturing shed 2,200 jobs.

Benjamin Johnson, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said the state’s economic outlook is about the same as it has been for the past year.

“The economy is improving, the job market is strengthening, but it’s still happening slowly,” Mr. Johnson said. “And I don’t think anyone would tell you they're satisfied with 6.9 percent unemployment.”

Ohio's unemployment rate has remained below the national rate, which ticked up to 7.9 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September.

Michigan had announced on Wednesday that its unemployment rate declined in October to 9.1 percent from 9.3 percent in September.