Local Unemployment Numbers Creep Up

June 22, 2013

The latest jobs numbers released Friday show the unemployment rate fell statewide in Florida and Alabama, but the local  jobless rate held steady or increased.

Escambia County’s unemployment rate inched upwards from 6.4 percent in April to 6.7 percent in May.  There were 479 more people reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 9,497 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 8.3 percent.

Santa Rosa County unemployment held steady at 5.9 percent from April to May. Santa Rosa County had a total of 4,334 persons  reported to be still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 7.4 percent.

In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment increased from 7.4  percent in April to 7.7 percent in May. That represented 1,107  people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 8.7 percent.

The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.

Florida’s unemployment rate was 7.1 percent, which is the lowest since September 2008. The state’s seasonally adjusted figure is down from 7.2 percent in April, according to the Department of Economic Opportunity. The job growth continues to be led by the trade, transportation and utility sector. Leisure and hospitality, private education, health services, and construction also continue to see significant gains in jobs as well, the state Department of Economic Opportunity said.

Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 6.8 percent in May, was down from April’s rate of 6.9 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.5 percent.

Comments

3 Responses to “Local Unemployment Numbers Creep Up”

  1. Jane on June 23rd, 2013 6:04 am

    And unemployment is up in Escambia County. Nothing new there…the County Commissioners do nothing to bring businesses in here. They think we can exist on tourist dollars…LOL!

  2. David Huie Green on June 23rd, 2013 12:16 am

    ANSWERING:
    “What happens when people use up their (18 months of unemployment?) Do they drop from those numbers? and that makes it appear that it is better?”

    No.

    The unemployment rate is not calculated from people drawing unemployment benefits. It is based on a monthly survey of randomly selected households all over the nation. Households are asked how many are employed and how many are unemployed but would like to be employed (and a bunch of other questions).

    Based on percentages and location of respondents and population in those areas and a bit more math, they figure out how many are employed and how many are unemployed. Even if they work it all the way out to a single person (like: “total Escambia County unemployment of 9,497 people“), the numbers are still guesses based on the answers given and estimated populations. As more people give up land-lines, the answers are going to be less representative of reality, but have nothing to do with unemployment beneficiaries either way.

    David for understanding

  3. Frank on June 22nd, 2013 9:30 am

    CAN SOMEONE ANSWER A QUESTION? I have never drawn unemployment compensation in my 53 years…They keep saying unemployment is better, I do not see it, and I travel and meet a lot of people. What happens when people use up their (18 months of unemployment?) Do they drop from those numbers? and that makes it appear that it is better?

    Just wandering!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News