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Mercer County's unemployment rate for 2023.
Mercer County once again had the lowest joblessness in Ohio in November, extending the county's streak of holding the first place title among Ohio's 88 counties.
November's unemployment rate was 1.9% in Mercer County, the lowest it's been since April. November's rate is also a large decrease from 2.5% in October, according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Mercer County's unemployment rate was highest in January and February at 2.6%. Even then, Mercer County held the title of lowest unemployment rate in the state.
County community development director Jared Ebbing said the consistently low unemployment rate is proof of Mercer County's working culture, business climate and overall number of employable people.
"It's a testament to our people. It's a working mindset," he said. "It's also a testament to our local companies and businesses that continue to be managed well and provide jobs."
Ebbing said workers of all kinds are able to find employment in Mercer County, whether it be through the Hometown Opportunity website or the business advisory council working with local schools to connect students and graduates with employers.
He also opined that there are very few unemployable people in the county. Mercer County residents are renown for their work ethic and determination, making the county an attractive location for new businesses and established companies alike.
While some may think the low unemployment rate would make businesses pass over the area in favor of a county with more unemployment, Ebbing said that hasn't been the case in Mercer County.
"I've been in this position for 14 years. We have consistently had the lowest unemployment rate for the past decade, and it hasn't prevented companies from growing or new businesses from coming here," he said. "There's always people available, looking for new jobs, better jobs. There's new graduates."
Auglaize County's unemployment rate also saw a noticeable decline, dipping to 2.3% in November from 2.8% in October. Auglaize County's ranking also decreased from seventh place to sixth place, which it shares in a three-way tie with Lake and Medina counties.
Surrounding counties saw markedly decreased rates across the board. Shelby County's rate decreased to 2.8% in November, down from 3.3% in October. Van Wert's unemployment rate decreased to 2.4%, down from 2.9% in October.
Darke County's rate decreased to 2.5%, down from 3.1% in October. Allen County's unemployment rate decreased to 3.1% from 3.7% in October.
Ohio's overall unemployment rate was 3.6% in November, unchanged from October. The number of unemployed persons in Ohio in November was 212,000, up from 207,000 in October. At the same time, Ohio's unemployment rate last month is a noticeable improvement from the 4.1% unemployment rate in November 2022.
