Unemployment drops across Ohio

COLUMBUS — Unemployment rates went down in April across the state of Ohio according to a new release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Every one of Ohio's 88 counties posted a lower unemployment rate compared to March.Unemployment rates have not been seasonally adjusted. Nationally, unemployment declined more modestly from 4.3% to 4.0%. Hancock County had a 2.8% unemployment rate, down from 3.3% in March. The steepest improvements were concentrated in counties that had some of the highest joblessness rates in March. Huron and Noble counties both saw the greatest shift, both decreasing by over 2%. In Northwest Ohio, Ottawa County, which had the highest unemployment rate in March, fell by almost 2% from 6.1% down to 4.3%. Across the state, many other counties saw a decrease in joblessness, though Trumbull, Pike, Meigs, Monroe, Mahoning and Scioto counties remain above 4%. Central Ohio continued to post some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. Delaware, Union, Madison, Franklin and Licking counties all reported April rates below 3%. Holmes County recorded the lowest unemployment rate statewide at 2%. While several counties remain above the statewide average, none saw an increase in unemployment from March to April. May statistics are expected to be released later this month.