Unemployment sees slight increase in Orleans County
The unemployment rate in Orleans County was up slightly in February at 5.3 percent compared to the 5.0 percent a year earlier in February 2024, according to the state Department of Labor.
The number of unemployed and employed were both up about 100 people; unemployed to 900 and employed at 16,800. The 5.3 percent unemployment rate in February compares to 5.1 percent in January.
Statewide, the unemployment rate dropped from 4.6 to 4.3 percent in the year, while nationally it increased from 4.2 to 4.5 percent from February 2024 to February 2025.
The rates in nearby counties include: Niagara, 5.7 percent; Genesee, 4.6 percent; Monroe, 4.3 percent; Erie, 4.8 percent; Wyoming, 5.6 percent; Livingston, 4.9 percent; Chautauqua, 5.4 percent; Cattaraugus, 5.3 percent; and Allegany, 5.4 percent.
