Ohio counties experience rising unemployment rates in January

Unemployment rates increased in January across all five surrounding counties in Ohio. Auglaize County reported a rise to 4.2 percent, up from 3.3 percent in December, with a decrease in both labor force and employment. Putnam County's unemployment rate climbed to 4.6 percent from 3.5 percent, while Van Wert County's rate rose to 4.7 percent from 3.5 percent. Both counties also saw declines in labor force and employment. Allen County's unemployment increased to 5.3 percent from 4.3 percent, despite a slight growth in the labor force. Hardin County's rate rose to 5.6 percent from 4.5 percent, with reductions in both labor force and employment. Ohio's overall unemployment rate rose to 5.3 percent in January.