Unemployment rates trending down in region

11/21/2012

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The unemployment situation in Toledo and much of northwest Ohio continues to improve slowly, according to figures released Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The jobless rate in Lucas County last month was 7.3 percent, down from 7.6 percent the month before and 9.2 percent for the same month last year, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Toledo’s rate slipped to 8 percent from 8.2 percent in September and 9.9 percent a year earlier.

The rate in Wood County dipped to 5.9 percent in October, down from 6.3 percent the month before and from 7.6 percent a year earlier. In Fulton County, the rate was 6.2 percent in October, down from 6.5 percent in September and 7.9 percent a year earlier.

Not every county shared in the good news.

Erie County’s rate rose from 5.7 percent in September to 6.5 percent in October. Huron County’s soared from 8.1 percent to 9.8 percent.

Unemployment rates in those two neighboring counties typically rise when the Lake Erie tourism season ends.

Van Wert County’s rate also rose, to 7 percent from 6.7.

Putnam County had the lowest rate in the area, 4.9 percent. Huron County’s 9.8 percent was the highest.

The statewide rate, released last week, was 6.9 percent in October, down from 7.1 percent a month before and 8.3 percent a year earlier.

The national rate, released two weeks ago, was 7.9 percent last month, up from 7.8 percent in September but down from 8.9 percent a year ago.

The number of employed Ohioans has grown from 5.31 million in October, 2011, to 5.38 million last month, a gain of 63,000 jobs.

But part of the reason for lower unemployment rates is that people have left the work force. Only those actively looking for jobs are counted.

A year ago, 64.3 percent of the working age population was working or seeking work.

That number has fallen to 63.7 percent.