By Amelia Jarecke
The Prince George’s County unemployment is down compared to last September, matching the lowest rate the county has seen in the past year, according to the Department of Labor statistics released at the end of last month.
The 3.6 percent unemployment rate for this September compared to a rate of 3.8 percent in the same month a year earlier. The last time the county’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6 percent was in April.
This January, the county’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7 percent. Since then it has fluctuated, but now is one-tenth of a percent below the unemployment rate of the entire state.
Maryland’s unemployment rate of 3.7 percent matches the lowest level the state has experienced in the past decade, according to the Department of Labor.
From August to September of this year, the number of jobs in Prince George’s County increased by 0.59 percent, or an overall increase of 2,929 jobs.
Preliminary statistics revealed that Maryland added 10,100 jobs in September, which is the largest single-month gain since May 2015.
But according to the Baltimore Business Journal, the job numbers are just preliminary estimates and could be revised. Last October, the Department of Labor reported Maryland added 10,700 jobs, but later revised that number downward by 5,700, the Business Journal said.
Nevertheless, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan lauded this September’s jobs numbers.
“Our administration has changed the mission of state government to be unabashedly pro-jobs and pro-business and as a result, more businesses are open and more people are working than ever before in the history of our state,” Hogan said in the press release. “We have experienced one of the biggest economic turnarounds in America, and today that incredible momentum continues with the largest jobs gains in four years and unemployment that matches a ten-year low. Maryland truly is open for business.”
The state’s education and health services sector experienced the most job growth with an increase of 4,400 jobs. Both the leisure and hospitality sector and the professional and business services sector added 1,800 jobs.
Other sectors that experienced more modest growth include trade, transportation, and utilities; mining, logging, and construction; and manufacturing.
“As Maryland’s economy continues to experience tremendous growth, businesses are strategically investing in their talent pipeline to meet industry demands and ensure long-term success,” Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson said in the press release. “Through our department’s many innovative training, education, and support services, we’re helping workers gain new skills and credentials while giving Maryland’s employers the well-trained workforce they need to prosper.”