Southwestern Pa. jobless rate fell again in September

The unemployment rate in Southwestern Pennsylvania dropped to a new record low in September — the lowest in nearly 50 years.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the seven-county region fell one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to a record low 3.5% last month, according to the state Department of Labor & Industry report. The region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

It’s the lowest rate since records dating back to 1976. September’s figure was the fifth consecutive record low, the department said.

As for the rest of the state, the total jobless rate in Pennsylvania dropped one-tenth of a percentage point to a record low as well. Statewide figures hit 3.4% in September, just below the regional number.

The national rate held steady from August at 3.8%.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in the Pittsburgh region decreased by 2,500 over the month to 1.17 million last month. However, jobs in the local area rose by 1.6% over the year. Statewide jobs were up by 2.5% since last September, the department said.

Within the region, Allegheny County’s rate was 3.0%. Butler County had the lowest rate at 2.6%. Fayette clocked in at the highest at 3.6%.