Unemployment statistics for the month of November have come in for Inyo and Mono Counties.

The statewide average is up to 8.4% unemployment for November, from 8.2% in October. Nationally, unemployment is running 6.7% for November, up from 6.5% in October.

Since 2000, annual unemployment in Mono and Inyo counties has been steady at roughly 5%, according to state statistics. The annual rate for 2008 is not yet in, but Inyo started the year with 6.3% unemployment. Mono County started the year with a lower 4.4%

In October, Inyo County checked in with 7.3% unemployment. In November that number is up again to 7.6%. State records show that there were 680 people unemployed in Inyo County during the month of October. That number is now up 720 people seeking jobs.

Unemployment in Mono County actually dropped during the month of November. State records show an unemployment rate of 8.3% for October, which was down to 8% in November. Seasonal employment and falling snow may be a factor, but the total available workforce in Mono County also dropped by 300 people, meaning less people looking for jobs in Mono County in November as well.

Between 1994 and 1997, Mono County unemployment ran above 10% before starting to drop in 1998. Inyo and Mono County have both fluctuated near 5% since 2000. How high the annual rate for 2008 goes up, is yet to be seen.

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