Mahoning Valley unemployment rate reached 14.5 percent in March

Unemployment in the Mahoning Valley reached 14.5 percent in March, the state reported today.

The rate was a significant increase from last year. Combined unemployment for Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties was 12.9 percent in March 2009.

In Youngstown, the jobless rate rose to 15.1 percent, up from 13.6 percent in March 2009. Unemployment in the city was 14.5 percent in February.

In Mahoning County, the jobless rate rose to 14.4 percent last month, up from 13.7 percent in February. The county unemployment rate was 12.3 percent in March 2009.

The increase in Warren was less drastic. Unemployment rose to 14.4 percent, up from 14 percent in February.

Warren, which saw unemployments raise rise to 15 percent last summer, actually saw a decrease in the jobless rate last month compared to March 2009, when the rate was 14.6 percent.

Trumbull County saw unemployment rise to 14.7 percent, up from 14.4 percent in February.

Columbiana County posted a decrease in the jobless rate in March, although unemployment remained high at 14.3 percent.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com