Joblessness Remains Relatively Low in Piedmont

Piedmont's jobless rate—5.3 percent—continues to be one of the lowest for any municipality in the county. Only Pleasanton with 5.2 percent and Albany with 4.3 percent had fewer out of work residents compared to the size of their labor force in September.

The state Economic Development Department released new data Friday showing that the unemployment rate in the East Bay dropped from 10.6 percent in August to 10.1 percent last month. In Alameda County, the unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent, down from 10.7 percent in August.

However, state labor officials also reported the East Bay had a total work force of 947,800 people in September. That was 600 fewer jobs than the month before.

The biggest gains were made in public and private schools, which had a seasonal increase of 4,800 jobs. In addition, trade, transportation and utilities increased by 2,400 jobs and financial activities added 1,000 jobs.

The biggest declines were seen in leisure and hospitality as well as manufacturing. Both industries lost 1,200 jobs. Education and health services lost 1,100 jobs and construction jobs dropped by 600.

The unemployment rate reflects the employment status of people who live in a certain region. The jobs are based on the number of positions at businesses within that area.