Anderson Jobless Rate Up Slightly in March

Anderson County's unemployment rate was up slightly in March, moving to 5.1 percent, up from 5.0 percent in February. The statewide unemployment rate also increased to 5.7 percent, up from 5.5 percent in February.

Anderson County has the fifth lowest unemployment rate in the state. Out of a workforce of 90,511, 85,883 are employed, leaving 4,628 unemployed.

"The report shows that over 1,000 Anderson County residents entered the workforce last month, and of those more than 850 found employment", said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn.  "I would say that the report offers encouraging news about the condition of our local economy and serves to support this Council's ongoing commitment to our economic development program."

The national unemployment rate increased to 5.0 percent in March, up from 4.9 percent in February.