×

County’s unemployment rate reaches new low

LISBON — Columbiana County’s unemployment rate in November was the lowest in three years. The county’s jobless rate declined from 5.2 in October to 4.8 percent last month, according to figures released this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The county’s unemployment rate last dropped to 4.8 percent in November 2014.

The state unemployment rate also declined to 4.8 percent from 5.1 percent in October, marking the first time in years the county’s jobless rate did not exceed the state’s. The county and state still lag behind the national unemployment rate, which was 4.1 percent last month. The number of residents receiving unemployment benefits declined by 90 to 1,743, but new applications also increased over the same period from 281 to 332. The average benefit payment in November was $368 per week. While the unemployment rate was declining, the estimated number of countians with jobs decreased by 100, to 45,400. The same formula used to arrive at that figure also estimated the number of county residents without work also decreased, from 2,500 o 2,300. The unemployment rate in Ohio decreased in 65 counties, increased in 15 and remained unchanged in eight. The county’s unemployment rate was the 30th highest among Ohio’s 88 counties. Among adjoining Ohio counties, the county’s jobless rate was higher than Stark (4.6 percent) but lower than Mahoning (5.5 percent), Carroll (5.1 percent) and Jefferson (6.2 percent).

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today