Ohio jobless rate falls slightly in October

Van Wert independent/ODJFS information

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s unemployment rate was 9.0 percent in October, down from 9.1 in September, according to data released Friday morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Ohio’s nonfarm wage and salary employment decreased 600 over the month, from the revised 5,109,500 in September to 5,108,900 in October.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in October was 526,000, down from 534,000 in September. The number of unemployed has decreased by 45,000 in the past 12 months from 571,000. The October unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 9.7 percent in October 2010.

The U.S. unemployment rate for October was 9.0 percent, down from 9.1 percent in September.

Total Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (seasonally adjusted)

Ohio’s nonfarm payroll employment decreased 600 over the month, from 5,109,500 in September to 5,108,900 in October, according to the latest business establishment survey conducted by ODJFS.

Goods-producing industries, at 821,600, were up 700 from September driven by increases in manufacturing (+1,100) and mining and logging (+200).

A slight decrease was posted in construction (-600). Service-providing industries declined 1,300 over the month to 4,287,300. The most significant losses occurred in government (-4,000) and professional and business services (-3,800). Financial activities (-800) also experienced an over-the-month lost. Gains were posted in trade, transportation, and utilities (+2,700), educational and health services (+2,100), leisure and hospitality (+1,500), other services (+700), and information (+300).

Over the past 12 months, nonagricultural wage and salary employment advanced 63,100. Service-providing industries added 43,200 jobs. The most significant gains occurred in educational and health services (+24,400), professional and business services (+12,300), and trade, transportation, and utilities (+7,500). Other services (+3,700), financial activities (+2,900), leisure and hospitality (+1,200), and information (+700) also experienced growth.

Government declined 9,500. Goods-producing industries increased 19,900 over the year. Manufacturing added 12,600 jobs, as a gain in durable goods (+15,300) exceeded a loss in nondurable goods (-2,700). Construction (+6,700) and mining and logging (+600) also increased from October 2010.