ALBANY - The State Labor Department today released local area unemployment rates for June 2012.  As reported last week, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.9% in June 2012.  

Over the past year, the state had a decrease in the amount of initial unemployment insurance claims, and an increase in the labor force as more New Yorkers gained confidence in the economy.  Claims dropped 8.5%, from 92,628 in June 2011 to 84,738 in June 2012. Furthermore, the percentage of job seekers re-entering the labor force, or entering the labor force for the first time, increased 7% from June 2011 to June 2012.  By comparison, the nation showed a 2% increase during the same period.  

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate for New York and every other state, are based on models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The models are based, in part, on the results of a telephonic and door-to-door monthly federal survey of 3,100 households (out of more than 7 million) in New York State.  The survey has an average response rate between 2,000 and 2,500 households. 

 Unemployment rate highlights in June 2012:

• The counties in New York State with the highest unemployment rates include:
• Bronx County (14.0%)
• Fulton County (11.0%)
• Kings County (11.0%)
• St. Lawrence County (11.0%)
• Oswego County (10.9%)
• Orleans County (10.6%)

• The counties in New York State with the lowest unemployment rates include:
• Hamilton County (7.0%)
• Putnam County (7.0%)
• Saratoga County (7.2%)
• Tompkins County (7.2%)
• Rockland County (7.3%)
• Yates County (7.3%)