The Lower Hudson Valley gained about 7,100 jobs in March, from the previous month, according to the state Department of Labor.
The gains represented a 1 percent increase in nonfarm employment in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties, and was twice as high as the national and state expansion.
Private-sector positions increased by 6,200, or 1.1 percent. The government sector gained 900 jobs, or 0.8 percent.
The one-year regional trend remained positive, with 7,700 more jobs and a 1.1 percent gain from March to March.
The greatest gains by job category in March were specialty trade contractors, 1,600 new jobs, administrative and support services, 1,000, and accommodation and food services, 900.
The weakest categories were ambulatory health care services, down by 200 jobs, health and personal care stores, down by 100, and general merchandise stores, down by 100.
The broader Hudson Valley region ”“ including Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties ”“ gained 9,300 jobs, or 1 percent, in March.
New York registered 47,900 more nonfarm jobs, for a 0.5 percent increase for March, and an increase of 119,600 jobs (1.3 percent) from a year ago.
The state unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent, from 4.4 percent in February and 4.8 percent a year ago, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state unemployment rate narrowed to the lowest level since February 2007.
The unemployment rate is based on the current population survey and a monthly survey of 3,100 households.
The job count is based on a survey of 18,000 New York employers. The monthly estimates are preliminary and could be revised as more data become available.
