Erie Unemployment Rate up in August

HARRISBURG (OCTOBER 1) -The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the Erie Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) rose two-tenths of a percentage point in August to 7.6 percent.1 The rate has been below 8.0 percent for eleven consecutive months. Over the year, the rate was down one-half of a percentage point. The Erie MSA tied with the Altoona MSA for the 6th lowest unemployment rate among Pennsylvania's 14 MSAs in August. Erie County's unemployment rate tied with three other counties for the 18th lowest out of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate rose two-tenths to 8.1 percent, while the national rate fell two-tenths to 8.1 percent.

In August, seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in the Erie MSA fell 2,000 to 134,300. Over the year, jobs in the Erie MSA were up 3,000 (2.3%) compared to the statewide count which was up 15,600 (0.3%). Detailed industry data for the MSA is not seasonally adjusted (see below).

Although manufacturing held steady at 22,100 jobs for a second consecutive month, jobs were up 300 from one year ago.

Jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities fell 400 due primarily to declines in retail trade.

Education and health services experienced a larger-than-typical seasonal decline of 400, falling to 29,100 jobs in August. Despite this drop, the supersector has added 800 jobs over the year.

Leisure and hospitality jobs dropped by 300 to 16,200 jobs following an unusually large July increase.