Ohio labor market stabilizing

FINDLAY — Ohio's labor market continues to show signs of stability and improvement, according to new data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The U.S. unemployment rate for March was 4.3%. Ohio's rate came in slightly lower at 4.1%, down from 4.2% in February. Hancock County posted a March unemployment rate of 3.3%, a notable drop from 4.0% from the previous month. "Preliminary March 2026 unemployment rates ranged from a low of 2.6% in Holmes County to a high of 6.1% in Noble and Ottawa Counties," ODJFS reported. Statewide, 22 of Ohio's 88 counties recorded unemployment rates below 3.5% in March. Sixteen counties fell between 4% and 5%, while nine counties reported rates of 5.5% or higher. Hancock County's labor market has strengthened significantly over the past year. In March 2025, the county's unemployment rate stood at 4.8%, while the city of Findlay reported 5.1%. One year later, Hancock County's rate has fallen to 3.3%, with Findlay close behind at 3.5%. With unemployment falling across much of Ohio, Hancock County's sharp year-over-year improvement places it among the state's stronger-performing labor markets. Data about April's unemployment statistics are expected to be released later this month.