Unemployment rates in Central New York’s metro areas fell slightly in September compared to August but were still higher than year-ago levels, according to new data from the state Department of Labor.
In the Binghamton area, the unemployment rate slipped to 8.5 percent in September, from 8.9 percent in August, but was up from 8.3 percent a year ago.
In Syracuse, the rate dropped to 8.4 percent in September, from 8.6 percent in August, but was higher than the 8.1 percent unemployment rate posted in September 2011.
In the Utica–Rome region, the unemployment rate dipped to 8 percent in the latest month, from 8.2 percent in August, but was still higher than the 7.8 percent rate in September 2011.
New York state’s unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in September, down from 9.1 percent in August, but up from 8.3 percent in September 2011.
The nation’s unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in September, down from 8.1 percent in August, and lower than the 9 percent rate posted in September 2011.