County’s Jobless Rate Drops to 7.6% in October
Ventura County’s jobless rate fell to 7.6% in October from 8.9% in September--further evidence that the county has overcome the worst effects of the recession.
The unemployment rate in October, 1993, was 9.4%, the state Employment Development Department reports.
A total of 28,600 county residents were out of work in October this year, 7,200 fewer than a year ago, the department said.
Despite the statistical improvement, economists point out that most jobs being created in the county are in the service sector. Many of these are in retailing and food services, which tend to pay less than manufacturing and high-tech industries. But some service positions recently filled in the county, such as in teaching and health care, pay average to above-average wages, economists note.
Farm employment in the county increased by 1,700 jobs in October over September.
Most of the work involved planting crops that will be harvested in 90 to 110 days, officials said. Agricultural work is expected to decrease for several months, rising again early next year.
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