Unemployment rate increases

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased half a percent from a month earlier.

The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 7.8 percent October unemployment rate was up from September’s 7.3 percent figure.

The agency said certain summer recreational businesses, including the golf industry, and the loss of seasonal leisure and hospitality jobs contributed to an increased unemployment rate throughout the region in October.

St. Joseph County remained below the state unemployment average, which was 8.3 percent in October.

At 5.6 percent, Barry County had the lowest unemployment rate in October in the region, while Hillsdale County had the highest, at 9.4 percent.