Ohio Job Market Cools but Remains Strong with Low Unemployment Rate

Ohio's unemployment rate has been below 4% for 14 straight months, the longest stretch since at least 1976
The labor force participation rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 1.5 jobs open for every unemployed worker
Ohio added fewer jobs in 2023 (47,700) than the prior two years, with gains concentrated in healthcare/education and government sectors
January 2024 had a strong monthly jobs gain (12,900), but some sectors like construction and restaurants lost jobs
Columbus had the lowest January unemployment rate (3.6%) among Ohio metro areas, while Weirton/Steubenville had the highest (5.7%)