HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped in March to the lowest rate on record, as payrolls hit a new record.
The state Department of Labor and Industry said Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9%. Pennsylvania’s rate had twice previously hit 4% since 1976, which is as far back as the state says its records go.
The national unemployment rate was 3.8% in March. Among states, Pennsylvania is tied for 31st.
A survey of households found Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force grew by 5,000, as employment rose by 10,000 to a record high above 6.2 million. Unemployment shrank to its lowest level since 2000.
A separate survey of employers showed seasonally adjusted non-farm payrolls rose 4,000, to a record high of more than 6 million.
Friday’s figures are preliminary and could change.
