Livingston County again had the state’s lowest jobless rate for the month of August.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget reports unemployment rates fell seasonally in 16 of the 17 major labor market areas. Total employment change was mixed throughout the various areas, while workforce levels declined in the majority of regions. The state says jobless rates inched up over the month by one-tenth of a percentage point in both Livingston and Oakland Counties. Livingston County’s August jobless rate stood at 3.2% - ranking number one out of all 83 counties in Michigan. The county has been able to maintain the lowest statewide jobless rate for three months in a row.

The state says over the year, unemployment rates rose in the majority of areas but the increases were marginal. (JM)