Unemployment dips slightly for County in August

    Unemployment in Aroostook County reached its lowest point since October 2010, according to a recent report by the state Department of Labor. But that figure is still well above the state average for those out of work.
    According to the report, Aroostook County’s not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August 2011 was 8.4 percent, down from the 9.6 percent rate in July 2011, but well above the state average of 6.5 percent for the same time period.
    Nationally, unemployment for August 2011 was 9.1 percent. August is generally the month with the lowest unemployment rate due to hirings for season, tourist-related jobs such as restaurants and lodging.
    Not seasonally-adjusted rates ranged from 4.6 percent in York County to 9.6 percent in Piscataquis County. Rates tended to be lower in coastal counties and higher among northern and rim counties, according to the report.
    In Aroostook County, the highest recorded rate over the past decade came in April 2010 when unemployment hit 11.2 percent.
    Detailed labor force and unemployment data for the state, counties, and 31 labor market areas, as well as nonfarm jobs data for the state and the three metropolitan areas is available at www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/data.html. September data is scheduled for release Oct. 21.