Unemployment rate drops percentage point in Crow Wing County

After inching ever so slightly upward in June, the unemployment rate in Crow Wing County took a nosedive in July, dropping by a full percentage point.

The Crow Wing County unemployment rate in July was 8.3 percent, down from 9.4 percent in June and a high of 12.4 percent in March.

The July unemployment rates in area counties were: Aitkin, 9 percent, down from 9.6 percent; Cass County, 8.6 percent, down from 9.3 percent; Mille Lacs County, 11.4 percent, down from 12.3 percent; Morrison County, 10.4, down from 11.3 percent; Todd County, 8.6 percent, down from 9.1 percent; and Wadena County, 10.1 percent, down from 10.3 percent.

The unemployment rate in the city of Brainerd continues to drop. The July rate was 13.9 percent, down from the peak of 21 percent in January.

The unemployment rate in central Minnesota continues to be slightly higher than the statewide average but most counties are below the national average.

The Minnesota unemployment rate in July was 7.8 percent, 8.1 percent seasonally adjusted. The U.S. unemployment rate in July was 9.7 percent, 9.4 percent seasonally adjusted.

KATHI NAGORSKI may be reached at kathi.nagorski@ brainerddispatch.com.