Those entering the work force had a harder time finding jobs in October, which raised Mercer County's jobless rate to 4.6 percent from September's 4.2 percent rate.

The county's unemployment rate was below the state's 5 percent rate and the national 5.6 percent rate. In October 2002, the local rate was 4.1 percent.

Manufacturing continued to struggle as that sector saw a 900-job drop from a year ago, and service-providing jobs were down 300 for the same period.

Mercer County ranked 13th among the state's 43 labor market areas in terms of the best unemployment rate and was 26th out of the state's 67 counties.

Figures show the number of employed in the county was 55,300 in October, unchanged from September, while the civilian labor force was up 300 to 58,000 in the same period.

The number of unemployed grew by 300 to 2.700 in October.

Goods-producing jobs rose by 700 to 10,400 in October from September, but the large rise was mainly attributed to the labor strike settlement at Wheatland Tube Co.'s Wheatland plant, which affected nearly 500 workers.

Service jobs were up by 200 to 39,500 from September to October. Local private colleges and public schools returning to their full staffs were credited for the increase.

Forest County had the highest jobless rate in the state at 12.4 percent, while Centre County had the lowest at 2.9 percent.

Surrounding counties' unemployment rates were:

   » Lawrence -- 5.4 percent.

   » Butler -- 4.7 percent.

   » Crawford -- 6.2 percent.

   » Venango -- 5.2 percent.

Sharon's jobless rate was 5.7 percent. A rate is kept for Sharon because it's the county's largest city.