Local Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly

Local unemployment rates seem to mirror state and federal unemployment rates at the moment, with no big change.

North Andover's unemployment rate was 5.9 percent in August, down from 6 percent in July and the same as August 2011 (when the rate was also 5.9 percent).

Statewide, the unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in August, down slightly from 6.6 percent in July, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. In August 2011, the state's unemployment rate was at 7.2 percent. Government gained 3,400 jobs in August -- 2,500 state government jobs and 1,300 federal government jobs. But local governments lost 400 jobs. Educational Services lost 2,000 jobs in August, and Health Care and Social Assistance lost 600 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality lost 800 jobs.

Here are some unemployment rates in surrounding communities: