Mahoning Valley jobless rate improved in December

YOUNGSTOWN — The average unemployment rate in the Mahoning Valley improved slightly last month compared to the same time a year ago, but the civilian labor force shrank and the Valley lost more jobs than it did jobless workers.

According to data released today by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, December’s unemployment rate for Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties fell to 7.4 percent, down .2 percentage points from December 2012. The number of unemployed decreased by 500.

But while the jobless rate improved, the Valley shaved 2,000 workers from its civilian labor force and employed 800 less workers than in 2012.

Mahoning County, the only area to see an uptick in the jobless rate, saw unemployment rise from 7.3 percent in December 2012 to 7.6 last month. In that time, the county lost 400 jobs, and added 300 people to its unemployment tally, which now sits at 8,400.

The jobless rates in Columbiana and Trumbull counties both improved in the year-over-year comparisons. Columbiana’s rate decreased from 7.5 percent the previous year to 7.1 percent last month. Trumbull County posted a .5 percentage point improvement, coming in at 7.5 percent last month.

Both Columbiana and Trumbull counties employed 100 and 300 less workers, respectively, however.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com