After hitting an 8-year high unemployment rate of 10.7 percent in August, the latest figures from the Connecticut Department of Labor show some improvement for the employment picture in Stratford.
The September unemployment rate in Stratford dropped to 9.3 percent, .4 percent higher than the statewide rate of 8.9. It should be noted, though, that about 800 people left the town's workforce from August to September.
Stratford's unemployment rate in July -- when the town had its largest labor force (28,345) of 2012 -- was 10.4 percent. From July to September, the town's labor force decreased by 1148 people.
Compared to neighboring towns, Stratford is lagging. Besides Bridgeport, which had the third-highest unemployment rate in the state at 12.3 percent, Stratford had a higher rate than Milford (7.8), Shelton (7.1) and Trumbull (6.7).
The September unemployment rates for Fairfield and New Haven counties were 7.5 and 9.1 percent, respectively.
Stratford's September Unemployment Figures
Labor Force 27,197 Employed 24,665 Unemployed 2,532 Rate 9.3 percentStratford's Annual Unemployment Rate Average Since 2004
2011 9.4 percent 2010 9.8 2009 9.1 2008 6.0 2007 4.7 2006 4.7 2005 5.2 2004 5.2