Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.4 percent in April, down from 7.5 percent in March, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment fell 3,400 over the month, from the revised 5,141,300 in March to 5,137,900 in April.

The number of online help-wanted ads in Ohio is at its highest level since 2005, reflecting a surge in demand for workers across the state, The Conference Board reported Monday.

The number of online advertised vacancies in Ohio grew by 7,000 to 188,900 in April — the highest level since the nonprofit business research group has been tracking such data for the past seven years.

The unemployment rate for Marion County took a big dip to 8.5 percent from 9.3 percent in February. While the rate is a large improvement from a year ago when it stood at 10.2 percent in March 2011, it is partially related to fewer people looking for work in the area.

The unemployment rate for Marion County was down slightly in February to 9.3 percent from 9.5 percent in January. The decrease appears to be more of a result of individuals leaving the local workforce than they are a reflection on more people being hired.

The slight rate reduction comes on the heels of a 1 percent increase in January, but is still well below the rate for February 2011 of 10.5 percent.

Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in February, down from 7.7 percent in January, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment rose 28,300 over the month from the revised 5,119,300 in January to 5,147,600 in February.

Ohio’s falling unemployment is good news for many workers — unless you are among the thousands who have been out of a job for a long time. With a 7.7 percent jobless rate, Ohio no longer qualifies for as many weeks of emergency unemployment benefits provided by Congress to help states weather the recession.

The unemployment rate for Marion County was unchanged in July from June. The rate stands at 11.2 percent. The amount is slightly less than a year ago as the July 2009 rate was 11.4 percent.

The figures released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services estimates there are about 3,500 people unemployed in Marion County.

Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.3 percent in July, down slightly from 10.5 percent in June, according to data released Friday morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio added 1,800 jobs over the month, from the revised 5,045,000 jobs in June to 5,046,800 jobs in July.