The unemployment rate for Schuylkill County has hit double digits, increasing 0.4 of a percentage point to 10.1 percent in January.
The state rate increased 0.3 of a point over the month to 8.2 percent while the national rate went up 0.1 of a point to 7.9 percent, according to a state Department of Labor & Industry release Tuesday.
Over the year, Schuylkill County's rate increased 1 percentage point while the state rate rose 0.6 of a point and the national rate fell 0.4 of a point.
Total nonfarm jobs in Schuylkill County decreased by 900 in January to 50,700. Over the year, Schuylkill County was up 1,300 jobs, or 2.6 percent, while the state only gained 0.7 percent. Last year, the over-the-year change from January 2011 to January 2012 for Schuylkill County was only a gain of 100 jobs, or 0.2 percent.
Private and public educational services experienced typical declines as schools were on winter break. Mining, logging and construction jobs were down as continued cold weather hampered construction. January brought the end of the holiday shopping season, impacting several industries. Retail trade and transportation, warehousing and utility jobs were down over the month.
Schuylkill County's rate tied with Northumberland County for the 15th highest among the state's 67 counties. County rates ranged from 5.9 percent in Centre County to 12.8 percent in Cameron County. Unemployment rates for surrounding counties were: Berks, 8.1; Carbon, 10.7; Columbia, 8.3; Dauphin, 8.3; Lebanon, 6.9; Lehigh, 8.8; Luzerne, 10.7; and Northumberland, 10.1 percent. At a glance
A look at Schuylkill County's recent jobless rates:
· January: 10.1 percent
· December 2012: 9.7 percent
· November 2012: 9.2 percent
· October 2012: 9.3 percent
· September 2012: 9.5 percent
· August 2012: 9.6 percent
· January 2012: 9.1 percent
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
