The county’s unemployment rate in December dropped below 9% for the first time since May 2009, as seasonal hiring for the holidays took hold and some job seekers dropped out of the market.
The unemployment rate was 8.9%, down from 9.3% in November and below 9.5% a year ago, according to the state Employment Development Department.
That drop came even though the county lost 2,200 jobs in December from November, an indication some job seekers stopped looking for work.
The county’s employment was unchanged at 1.37 million nonfarm workers.
The local economy closed 2010 on a positive note, gaining 20,900 jobs in the year, a 1.5% jump from a year earlier.
But some sectors continue to struggle.
Construction posted the largest monthly drop of 1,500 jobs.
Specialty trade contractors accounted for more than 70% of the decline. Builders, and heavy and civil engineering lost 200 jobs each.
Manufacturing fell by 1,200 jobs. Durable goods declined by 800 jobs while nondurable goods lost 400 positions.
Those losses outpaced gains in financial services and leisure and hospitality.
Financial activities led the job gains in December, adding 1,200 jobs. That reversed a loss of 400 jobs a month earlier.
More than 80% of the gain was in the finance and insurance sectors.
Leisure and hospitality added 500 jobs, with hotels, restaurants and bars accounting for the gains.
Professional and business services posted the largest yearly growth, adding 8,600 jobs. Administrative and support services, including temporary jobs, accounted for more than 60% of the growth.
Leisure and hospitality had the second largest yearly gain, adding 7,400 jobs.
Hotels, restaurants and bars led those gains, adding 4,300 jobs, a continuing sign consumers are spending more discretionary income.
Arts, entertainment and recreation added 3,100 jobs.
Construction saw the largest yearly decline of 5,000 jobs. The specialty trade segment was down 3,200 jobs, while builders shed 1,900 jobs.
