The Koochiching County unemployment rate has slightly dropped from 7.8 percent in July to 7.1 percent in August, according to statistics released this week by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The local labor force included 6,419 people with jobs in August, and 490 people without jobs.
In contrast, the state unemployment rate climbed 0.1 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted 5.9 percent, according to figures released last week by DEED. The state unemployment rate remained well below the U.S. rate, which was 8.1 percent in August.
State employers eliminated 2,000 jobs last month, while the July figures were revised downward by 2,000 jobs, reducing total job gains for that month to 4,800. The state has added 24,500 jobs in the past year, a growth rate of 0.9 percent.
“Despite solid job gains in the previous two months, the labor market is still struggling to find its footing,” said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. “The long-term trend remains positive, however, with the majority of business sectors reporting job growth over the past year.”
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and services, visit www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow DEED on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.
