Top 5 Cities in WNY With The Highest Unemployment [List]

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in 2020, many people lost their jobs as companies laid-off employees to try to cut their losses. Over the course of the past year or so, many of those jobs have come back. But in Western New York, there are still some cities and towns that have unemployment rates higher than the rest of the region. Some areas have been hard-hit and weren't able to bounce back. Take a look at this year compared to last year. Here are the top 5 cities (towns) in WNY that have the highest unemployment rates as of November 2021.

5. Cheektowaga - 4.70% Currently / 6.40% Last Year

4. Lockport - 5.10% Currently / 6.80 % Last Year

3. Jamestown - 5.50% Currently / 6.90% Last Year

2. Buffalo - 6.8% Currently / 10.10% Last Year

1. Niagara Falls - 7% Currently / 9.50% Last Year

Data provided by Zip Data Maps

The city in WNY with the lowest unemployment rate is Clarence, which currently has a rate of 3.00%. Last year its unemployment rate was 3.90% in November. The current New York State unemployment rate is 6.6%.

If you are among the unemployed in WNY, I encourage you to reach out to the Buffalo Employment Training Center,

The Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC) brings together a variety of workforce development organizations, training agencies and employers in a convenient one-stop environment. The Center is open to anyone seeking employment and all services are FREE. We offer support preparation for employment, upgrading or acquiring marketable skills, navigation thru the job search process, use of the tools necessary to be successful, business wear to look the part, networking and placement assistance.

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