County Employment and Wages News Release — 2008-04-09

In September 2007, Orleans County, La., had the largest over-the- year percentage increase in employment among the largest counties in the U.S., according to preliminary data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Orleans County, which includes the city of New Orleans, experienced an over-the-year employment gain of 8.6 percent, compared with national job growth of 0.9 percent. Clayton County, Ga., had the largest over-the-year gain in average weekly wages in the third quarter of 2007, with an increase of 23.9 percent due to increases in wage disbursements in the trade, transportation, and utilities supersector during the quarter. The U.S. average weekly wage rose by 4.3 percent over the same time span.