Unemployment in Pueblo plummets nearly 3% in 2021 but remains the highest in the state
Jan. 22—Pueblo County finished out 2021 with the highest unemployment rate in the state despite a nearly 3% decline in the number of out-of-work residents.
According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, statistics show Pueblo finished out the year at a 6.4% unemployment rate, just above Huerfano County with 6.3% and Fremont and Las Animas Counties at 5.5%. By comparison, Colorado has an average statewide unemployment rate of 4.8%.
The good news in the figures shows Pueblo's plummet from 9.3% in January to 6.4% by the end of the year. And the county added a healthy 1,700 jobs during the year.
The state statistics show the biggest gain in jobs, a whopping 45%, came in the lodging and food industry.
Pueblo's Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Jeff Shaw sees a lot of good news on the primary and manufacturing job front.
"There are still a lot of opportunities for people to be hired and get back into the workforce. Entry-level jobs have doubled in pay in the last two to three years," he said.
For example, an entry-level production line or packaging employee can make $18 an hour and get benefits to start.
Service and retail jobs are a bit slower to raise pay to keep up with rising costs, he explained.
"The cost of living and the inflation rate are out of control. The cost of food is shocking right now," Shaw said.
He said he believes manufacturing jobs will continue to adjust pay accordingly and rather quickly.
"The trend is still strong and Pueblo has a growth mindset. There are several large projects looking at Pueblo and companies that are still looking for workforce," Shaw said.
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.
