Clinton County unemployment rate drops again

HARRISBURG, PA – Clinton County’s unemployment figures improved slightly during the month of October, although first-time and continued unemployment claims showed an uptick in November.

According to figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Labor & Industry, the county jobless rate in October was 5.9%, down from the 6.2% registered in September. One year ago, the rate was 6.7%. The October 2021 rate matches the “pre-covid” number of 5.9% set in February 2020. The county’s unemployment percentage high during the pandemic was 16.6% in April 2020.

The most recent weekly figures as of Nov. 20, 2021 showed initial and continued claims on the rise in the county. Initial jobless claims were 54, up from 44 the week prior. Continued unemployment claims were listed at 395, up from 265 the week ending Nov. 13.

The county tied for 45th out of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties in October with the 5.9% monthly mark. Chester County was no. 1 with 3.4%, and Centre was no. 4 at 4.0%. Lycoming tied for 40th with a 5.8% reading, and the highest unemployment rate in the state for the month was Fayette County at 7.5%.

(Editor’s note: information courtesy Clinton County Economic Partnership)