By 1808Delaware
Ohio’s unemployment rate fell in November for the second straight month, resulting in characterizations of the jobless report as good news while still claiming that the state’s economy is somewhat fragile.
Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to 4.8% in November from 5.1% in October, still above the national rate of 4.2%.
Ohio is down 180,000 private-sector jobs from its pre-pandemic level. The state continued its monthly private-sector job growth trend, however, adding 11,300 jobs in November, with the leisure and hospitality sector adding 8,000 jobs. Growth also came in construction (2,800) and science and technical services (2,100).
Retail added 1,200 jobs, which is customary for seasonal holiday sales.
The durable goods manufacturing sector lost 600 jobs in November as supply chain issues and higher prices for materials impacted the industry.
The county unemployment rates in Ohio ranged from a low of 2.0 percent in Holmes County to a high of 5.7 percent in Monroe County.
Delaware County was one of eight Ohio counties at or below a 2.5 percent unemployment rate in November. It registered an unemployment rate of 2.4 percent. Others in this category included Holmes (the lowest statewide at 2.0 percent), Putnam, Mercer, Union, Auglaize, Geauga, and Madison Counties.
The state had five counties at or above 5.0 percent unemployment last month: Monroe (the highest at 5.7 percent), Erie, Ottawa, Noble, and Counties.
Rates in adjacent counties:
- Marion 3.4%
- Morrow 3.1%
- Knox 2.8%
- Licking 2.8%
- Franklin 3.2%
- Union 2.4%
