Clayton's Unemployment Rate an Amazing 2.5 percent

There is mixed economic news for the East Bay today.

The unemployment rate is down but so are the number of jobs in the region.

The state Economic Development Department reported today the unemployment rate in the East Bay dropped from 10.6 percent in August to 10.1 percent in September.

The jobless rate for Contra Costa County dipped to 10.1 percent, down from 10.6 percent in August.

In Alameda County, the unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent, down from 10.7 percent.

However, state labor officials also reported the East Bay had a total work force of 947,800 people in September. That was 600 fewer jobs than the month before.

The biggest gains were made in public and private schools, which had a seasonal increase of 4,800 jobs. In addition, trade, transportation and utilities increased by 2,400 jobs and financial activities added 1,000 jobs.

The biggest declines were seen in leisure and hospitality as well as manufacturing. Both industries lost 1,200 jobs. Education and health services lost 1,100 jobs and construction jobs dropped by 600.

The unemployment rate reflects the employment status of people who live in a certain region. The jobs are based on the number of positions at businesses within that area.

In Contra Costa County, the communities with the lowest jobless rates are Clayton at 2.5 percent, Alamo at 3.8 percent, Kensington at 3.6 percent, Lafayette at 3.7 percent and Orinda at 3.8 percent.

The towns with the highest jobless rates are the farming community of Knightsen at 20.8 percent, Crockett at 19.8 percent and Bay Point at 19.5 percent.

Danville's unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent in September, down from 5.6 percent in August.

San Ramon's jobless rate is now 4.2 percent, down from 4.4 percent in August.

Walnut Creek has an unemployment rate of 6.8 percent, down from 7.2 percent in August.

Concord's jobless rate dipped to 10.9 percent, down from 11.4 percent.