WARREN - Local unemployment numbers continued to inch downward, including in Trumbull County where jobless rates dipped nearly a point from last year at this time.
Trumbull County's unemployment rate reached 7.8 percent from 8.7 percent last October, according to numbers released Tuesday by the state Department of Job and Family Services.
The Trumbull County unemployment rate in September was 0.1 percent higher at 7.9 percent.
Mahoning figures dropped significantly to 6.6 percent from 8.6 percent a year ago. Last month, Mahoning reported 6.9 percent.
"It was good to see the jobless rate decline in all area counties last month, and I am encouraged that our local rate remains well below the national average," said Tom Humphries, Young-stown-Warren Regional Chamber president and CEO. "As we know, over the last 30 years, the metro area nearly always topped the national average in joblessness. It's good to consistently be on the other side of the line."
The Regional Chamber pointed out that employment in the metro area improved in October with 248,400 employed, an increase of 900 over September and 3,500 over a year ago. Overall in 2012, employment is up 1.4 percent over 2011. Total jobs in October declined by 500 compared to September, but the figure was still 1,400 higher than October 2011.
Statewide, unemployment inched downward to 6.9 percent, slipping below 7 percent for the first time since August 2008, the state Department of Job and Family Services said Friday.
Ohio's unemployment rate has remained below the national rate, which ticked up to 7.9 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September.
Despite the improving numbers, Trumbull County still ranks 20th among Ohio counties with the highest unemployment rates. Mahoning's 6.6 percent ranks it at 38th among the 88 counties.
Warren jobless numbers hit 9 percent compared to last year's 10.1 percent. Youngstown jobless rates were reported at 8.6 percent, down almost 3 points from 11.4 percent in October 2011.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services spokesman Benjamin Johnson said the state's economic outlook is about the same as it has been for the past year.
"The economy is improving, the job market is strengthening, but it's still happening slowly," Johnson said. "And I don't think anyone would tell you they're satisfied with 6.9 percent unemployment."
Statewide, service-providing industries added 16,000 jobs over the month. Gains were seen in professional and business services, government, educational and health services, and other services.
Job losses occurred statewide in trade, transportation and utilities, goods-producing industries and manufacturing.
Manufacturing jobs in the Youngstown metro market area dropped by 400 from September to October but were 600 higher than a year ago. Monthly job gains were seen in the areas of education and health services and government