Information from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development shows that the unemployment rate listed for Albert Lea in July 2010 is 8.9 percent. This is higher than the 6.8 percent rate of unemployment listed for the state in July, but lower than the seasonally adjusted rate of 9.5 percent listed for the nation.

— Look for more great business and industry stories in Impact 2010, published in the Albert Lea Tribune Friday, Sept. 24. and here on AlbertLeaTribune.com-–

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for the state in July 2009 is 8.3 percent, and for the nation is 9.4 percent.

Figures supplied by the state’s office in the Skyline Mall says the city labor force totals 8,482 people. Of this number, 7,726 people are employed. This leaves a total of 756 people who are listed as unemployed.

In July 2009 the city’s unemployment rate was 10.1 percent. For July 2008 the rate was 6.5 percent, and for July 2007 the rate was 5.9 percent.

Unemployment rates for nearby communities for July 2010 were: Austin, 6.1 percent; Owatonna, 8.5 percent; Rochester, 5.6 percent; Waseca, 8 percent.

Unemployment statistics for area counties from the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development have different percentages. For example the unemployment rate listed for Freeborn County in July 1210 is 7.7 percent. For Mower County it’s 5.7 percent; Olmsted County, 5.4 percent; Steele County, 7.8 percent; Waseca County, 7.2 percent.