Here we have a lot of retirees who are living on their savings and social security in a farming/ranching community so the unemployment rate is lower. Around 8.5 percent. We also have a college and hospital which really helps with jobs, but if you are over 50 work is harder to find. Hubby and I are lucky as we have no debt and our children have jobs. I really feel for those who are out of work and in need of a job.