Highland County unemployment rate falls to 11.9 percent

Highland County's unemployment rate has been on the decline over the last few months; however, it has held its state ranking as the county with the fifth-highest jobless rate. 

According to data released Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Highland County's September unemployment rate was at 11.9 percent. In August, it was listed at 12.3 percent, and in July it was at 13.1 percent. Last month, the county was ranked at number five in unemployment, as well. 

Pike County had the highest rate at 15.1 percent for the month of September. Four counties had unemployment rates above 12.0, which include Pike, Meigs, at 13.2 percent; and Clinton and Scioto, at 12.4 percent

Rates decreased in 73 of the 88 counties, according to Job and Family Services. Six counties had unemployment rates below 7.0 percent in September. The counties with the lowest rates, other than Mercer were: Geauga, 5.7; Medina, 6.1; Holmes, 6.2; and Delaware and Lake, 6.3 percent.

In surrounding counties, Adams was listed at 11.8 percent; Brown at 10.2 percent; Ross at 9.7 percent; and Fayette at 9.2 percent.