County unemployment lower in September

September’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was eight-tenths of a percent lower than the previous month.

The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.7 percent September’s unemployment rate marked a decrease from August’s 4.5 percent.

St. Joseph County was below the state’s unemployment average, which was 4.1 percent in August.

Employment rose in the education sector, while jobs declined in leisure and hospitality, according to the agency. Simultaneously, summer seasonal workers continued to leave the workforce.

Allegan County featured the lowest unemployment rate in the region during September, at 2.8 percent.

Cass County’s unemployment rate for the month was 3.9 percent, which was the highest in the region for September.