Ohio unemployment rate trends upward

Van Wert independent/ODJFS information

Ohio was not alone, as most states saw unemployment increases or flat-line percentages in July.

Ohio’s unemployment rate was 9.0 percent in July, up slightly from 8.8 percent in June, according to data released Friday morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Ohio’s nonfarm wage and salary employment increased 6,500 over the month, from the revised 5,106,900 in June to 5,113,400 in July.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in July was 529,000, up from 517,000 in June. The number of unemployed has decreased by 60,000 in the past 12 months from 589,000. The July unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 10.0 percent in July 2010.

The U.S. unemployment rate for July was 9.1 percent, about unchanged from 9.2 percent in June.

Total Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (Seasonally Adjusted)

Ohio’s nonfarm payroll employment increased 6,500 over the month, from 5,106,900 in June to 5,113,400 in July, according to the latest business establishment survey conducted by ODJFS.

Goods-producing industries, at 821,200, were up 9,100 from June, driven by an increase in manufacturing (+7,900) and slight improvements in construction (+1,100) and mining and logging (+100). Service-providing industries decreased 2,600 over the month to 4,292,200.

The most significant losses occurred in leisure and hospitality (-6,500) and educational and health services (-2,900). Other industries losing jobs included trade, transportation, and utilities (-500), and government (-400). Professional and business services (+6,000), financial activities (+1,000), other services (+500), and information (+200) experienced over-the-month gains.

Over the past 12 months, nonagricultural wage and salary employment advanced 74,100. Service-providing industries added 55,800 jobs. The most significant gains occurred in educational and health services (+25,000), professional and business services (+20,000), and leisure and hospitality (+11,300).

Trade, transportation, and utilities (+5,700), other services (+4,400), and financial activities (+1,800) also experienced growth. Government declined 11,900 and information lost 500 jobs. Goods-producing industries increased 18,300 over the year. Manufacturing added 11,900 jobs, as a gain in durable goods (+15,800) exceeded a loss in nondurable goods (-3,900). Construction (+5,900) and mining and logging (+500) also increased from July 2010.