If I live in one county but work in another whose unemployment statistic am I?

By Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 18, 2009 at 3:44 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 4, 2009 at 4:21 PM EDT

NILES — We've talked a lot about Elkhart County's unemployment rate, the highest in Indiana at more than 15 percent.

Glen Wilken of Niles asked a Good Question: If I live in one county but work in another whose unemployment statistic am I?

WSBT's Kirk Mason has the answer.

Many industries around our area are taking a hit during these tough economic times, but the most high profile is Elkhart County's struggling RV industry.

We've showed you the lines outside Elkhart's WorkOne office as people file for unemployment benefits. But this is not just an Elkhart County issue.

According to December's unemployment numbers, much of Indiana's double digit unemployment is in our area. Mark Lotter, the communications director for Indiana WorkOne, attributes that at least partially to the RV industry.

That's because if you are unemployed where you live is what counts. In other words, if you live in St. Joseph County, but work in Elkhart County, your unemployment would count against St. Joseph County.

We're now in February so you may wonder why we don't have January's unemployment numbers yet for Indiana.

Indiana WorkOne says every year they first review the 2008 numbers to check for accuracy. So January and even February numbers won't come out until March.

With so many people out of work, you can still help by donating to our Neighbors in Need Program. You can make a financial contribution online, or drop off food donations at any Martin's Super Markets.

Find out how to help and what to do if your family needs help.

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