Hudson Valley unemployment up slightly

ALBANY – Unemployment figures increased in the 12 months ending in February in many of the Hudson Valley counties. The jumps were minimal when compared to the same month last year. The overall jobless rate remained at 5.7 percent.
Joblessness in Putnam County rose by 0.4 percent in February to 4.6 percent. It rose by 0.3 percent in Columbia, Ulster and Westchester counties. In February 2017, unemployment was 4.6 percent in Columbia County, 5.1 percent in Ulster County and 4.8 percent in Westchester County.
Unemployment rose by 0.2 percent in Dutchess and Orange counties; it was at 4.7 percent in Dutchess and 4.8 percent in Orange.
The increase in Greene and Rockland counties was 0.1 percent with Greene County unemployment in February at 5.9 percent and in Rockland County at 4.5 percent.
Rockland was rated at the seventh lowest unemployment in the state. Columbia and Putnam counties were each rated eighth.
Dutchess County was rated 10th in the state followed by Orange and Westchester, each 11th, followed by Ulster County in 18th position, Sullivan County in the 26th ranking and Greene County at 28th in the state.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.