The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Business

October 3, 2012

County sees dip in jobless rate

By Michael Roknick Herald Business Editor

MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County’s jobless rate nudged down to 8.8 percent in August from 8.9 percent in July.

However, the county’s rate continued to be higher than the state and national rates of 8.2 percent.

Figures for August show the civilian labor force remained unchanged at 54,800 while those employed increased slightly to an even 50,000 from July’s 49,900.

Those unemployed eased at 4,800 in July from August’s 4,900.

Goods-producing jobs remained unchanged at 9,800 in July, while the service-producing sector was at 39,400, a dip of 200 with a loss of 100 coming in the transportation, warehousing and utilities category along with a 100 drop in government.

Education and health service continued to employ more than in the manufacturing sector, a trend that has steadily continued for several years. In July, 12,000 were worked in education and health services while 8,000 worked in manufacturing.  

A year ago the number of goods-producing jobs totaled 10,000, while service-producing jobs stood at 39,500.

Surrounding counties jobless rates were:

• Lawrence County, 8.3 percent

• Venango County 8.2 percent

• Crawford County, 8 percent

• Butler County, 6.7 percent

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