Unemployment rate declines in Boulder County

The Boulder County unemployment rate went from 2.8% in October to 2.6% in November, according to statistics released by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

There were 5,657 unemployed people in the county in October, and that declined to 5,445 jobless residents in November, the data shows.

As of Sunday, there were 8,030 job openings in the county, and their mean wages were $65,902. At the end of November, there were 8,278 job openings.

Employers with the most job openings as of Sunday:

1. Boulder Community Health: 234
2. University of Colorado Boulder: 185
3. St. Vrain Valley School District: 172
4. University of Colorado: 157
5. SCL Health: 129

Colorado’s unemployment rate went from 3.6% in October to 3.5% in November, according to the labor statistics. 

“Colorado’s strong labor market added 4,300 good-paying jobs in November in industries including education and health services, financial activities, and professional and business services, and job growth continues to outpace the U.S.,” Gov. Jared Polis’ office said in a news release.

The national unemployment rate was 3.7% in both October and November, the data shows.

“Colorado’s strong job growth and now even lower unemployment rate continue to outpace national levels as we continue to bring good-paying jobs to Coloradans and save people money,” Polis stated in the release. “Coloradans are hard at work with opportunities across industries, and we remain focused on reducing costs and putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, making sure Colorado remains the best place to live, work, and do business.”

The national job recovery rate was 104.7% in November, and the job growth rate was 3.3%. Colorado outpaced the national rates at 122% and 3.7%, respectively, according to the labor statistics.

Colorado counties with the highest unemployment rates in November:

• Huerfano County: 7.2%
• Las Animas County: 5.2%
• Pitkin County: 5.2%
• Pueblo County: 5.1%
• San Miguel County: 5.1%

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates:

• Baca County: 1.7%
• Cheyenne County: 2%
• Jackson County: 2.1%
• Phillips County: 2.1%
• Yuma County: 2.1%
• Kit Carson County: 2.1%

Just over 69% of Coloradans were participating in the labor force in November, the data shows.