St. Joseph County’s November unemployment rate of 8.3 percent was its lowest in the first 11 months of 2011.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Analysis report for November shows the county’s unemployment rate dropped from 8.9 percent in October. The analysis indicated retail sectors gearing up for seasonal end-of-the-year jobs played a significant role in the drop.
November’s 8.3 percent mark is 3 percent lower than the county’s unemployment rate in November 2010, according to the department.
An additional bright spot was noted in November, as the county’s unemployment rate was below the state average of 8.4 percent for the month.