State report shows mixed picture for CNY region unemployment rates in October

The unemployment rate in the Syracuse metro area remained unchanged at 4.6 percent in October, compared to a year ago.

The jobless rate in the Watertown–Fort Drum, Binghamton, and Elmira regions fell in October compared to 12 months prior.

But, the unemployment rate in the Utica–Rome and Ithaca regions rose in October compared to the same month in 2016.

The figures are part of the latest New York State Department of Labor data released Tuesday.

The jobless rate in the Watertown–Fort Drum area fell to 5.4 percent in October from 5.7 percent a year prior, while it declined in the Binghamton region to 4.8 percent from 5.0 percent, and dropped in the Elmira area to 5.1 percent from 5.4 percent, according to figures from the state Labor Department.

The unemployment rate in the Utica–Rome region rose to 4.7 percent in October from 4.6 percent a year earlier, while the jobless rate in the Ithaca metro area increased to 4.0 percent from 3.9 percent.

The local unemployment data isn’t seasonally adjusted, meaning the figures don’t reflect seasonal influences such as holiday hires.

The jobless rates are calculated following procedures prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state Labor Department said.

 Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com