The county’s unemployment rate tumbled in March, falling nearly a full percentage point from February’s but stubbornly remaining above 10 percent.
The rate, which is not adjusted for seasonal hiring or job losses, was 10.2 percent in March. February’s rate was 11.1 percent, and a year ago, the March rate was 11.7 percent.
The county’s rate remains much higher than that of the state, 7.8 percent, and nation’s, 8.4 percent, both not seasonally adjusted. Rates that are not seasonally adjusted tend to be higher than those with adjustments applied.
Despite the large drop in the county’s rate, there were only 100 more Ashtabula County residents who had jobs in March 2012 than there were a year ago. There were 42,200 civilians employed full or part time in March 2011 and 42,300 last month.
The rate fell because the estimated number of unemployed residents decreased by 400 and the size of the civilian labor force grew by 600, from 46,600 the prior month to 47,200 in March.
Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County Executive Director Brian Anderson said the March numbers combine for “definitely good news.” He said seasonal employment has a strong impact on the county’s rate.
March was unusually warm in Ohio, and some employers who normally start to add workers in April and May started to ramp up their operations earlier than normal.
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