Regional unemployment rate drops in June

The regional unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 point in June, continuing a strong annual improvement that has surpassed the state and nation.

Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties recorded 3.9 percent unemployment in June, according to preliminary calculations released July 26 by the New York Department of Labor.

Statewide, unemployment was at 4.5 percent. The nation and New York City were at 5.1 percent.

The three-county unemployment rate dropped by nearly a full percentage point, 0.8, from 4.7 percent a year ago. That annual rate of change was faster than in New York City, the state and the nation.

Nationally and in the city, the unemployment rate declined by less than half of a percentage point, 0.4, from 5.5 percent a year ago. Statewide, unemployment declined by 0.7 point, from 5.2 percent.

The unemployment rates mirror job growth data released earlier this month that shows the three counties adding 12,000 jobs in June.

Unemployment calculations are based on a monthly survey of about 3,100 households in New York. The numbers are not seasonally adjusted.