Each Wednesday we present a chart highlighting local data on a wide range of topics.
This week's chart focuses on the latest local unemployment numbers. The chart is compiled using data from the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Locally, all Merrimack Valley communities saw a decrease in unemployment numbers in February compared to February 2011. Communities such as Billerica, Reading, Wakefield, North Andover and Wilmington saw a slight increase from January 2012 to February 2012.
*This chart appears on several local Patch sites. Comments left on this article, will appear on all sites.
| Community | Feb. 2011 | Jan. 2011 | Feb 2012 | Feb 2012 Rate |
| Andover | 991 | 856 | 841 | 5.1% |
| Billerica | 1,742 | 1,605 | 1,652 | 7.3% |
| Chelmsford | 1,195 | 1,185 | 1,157 | 6.1% |
| Dracut | 1,346 | 1,265 | 1,227 | 7.3% |
| Haverhill | 2,841 | 2,618 | 2,611 | 8.2% |
| Lawrence | 5,422 | 4,985 | 5,042 | 15.8% |
| Littleton | 338 | 304 | 304 | 6.2% |
| Lowell | 5,097 | 5,098 | 4,921 | 9.4% |
| Melrose | 922 | 789 | 754 | 5.0% |
| Methuen | 2,303 | 2,233 | 2,227 | 9.2% |
| North Andover | 902 | 792 | 793 | 5.7% |
| North Reading | 553 | 517 | 500 | 6.0% |
| Reading | 754 | 683 | 698 | 5.2% |
| Tewksbury | 1,235 | 1,113 | 1,096 | 6.6% |
| Wakefield | 941 | 820 | 838 | 6.1% |
| Westford | 684 | 607 | 596 | 5.0% |
| Wilmington | 876 | 766 | 790 | 6.3% |
*Each Wednesday, Patch sites locally present a chart of local data. Topics vary from birthrates to real estate data. Check back each Wednesday at 10 a.m. for the latest chart.
