Unemployment across Central Pennsylvania was down in March, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Labor and Industry.
The Harrisburg-Carlisle region, which includes Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, saw its jobless rate dip to 6.7 percent from 7 percent.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs rose 3,300 in March and were up 2,100 for the year. Leisure and hospitality jobs were up 3,000, primarily due to earlier-than-normal hiring by seasonal businesses, the Labor Department said.
By county,Cumberland's unemployment rate was down to 6.2 percent from 6.5 percent in February.Dauphin County reported a drop to 7.1 percent from 7.3 percent, while Perry County's unemployment rate came in at 7.3 percent from 7.6 percent.
Across the region, the jobless rates in March were as follows:
- Lancaster County: 6 percent from 6.2 percent in February. Professional and business services jobs increased 800 to 21,600, the highest level since November 2007. Total nonfarm jobs increased 4,100 for the month and 4,700 over the year.
- Lebanon County: 5.9 percent from 6.1 percent. Total nonfarm jobs increased by 400 from February.
- York County: 7.1 percent from 7.4 percent. Trade, transportation and utilities increased by 400 jobs, due in part to seasonal hiring at local home improvement stores. Total nonfarm jobs were up 1,800 for the month and 2,800 for the year.
By comparison, the state and federal rates were each down one-tenth of a point to 7.5 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively.
