By Staff reports
LAKE COUNTY — The county”s unemployment rate rose to 16.2 percent in October primarily because of significant decreases in the farming, government, and leisure and hospitality industries, according to preliminary data released by the state”s Employment Development Department.
The rate increased 0.4 percent last month compared to revised September figures, but actually represented a decrease when measured against the October 2010 rate of 17.6 percent.
County employment decreased by 530 jobs during the month, hurt by drops in seven sectors.
Only one industry ? private educational and health services ? gained jobs while three fields remained unchanged.
Lake County retained its ranking of 53rd out of 58 California counties.
Rates for neighboring counties include Colusa at 15 percent, Mendocino at 9.9 percent, Napa at 8.3 percent and Sonoma at 9.3 percent. Marin County had the lowest rate at 7.2 percent and Imperial County had the highest at 28.9 percent.
The state and national rates dropped slightly during the month. California”s figure improved to 11.2 percent and the U.S. rate decreased to 8.5 percent.
