When Did Your County_s Jobs Disappear_

Slate has an interactive map that illustrates rising unemployment across the country. Specifically, the map shows each of the more than 3,100 counties since January 2007. The best way to view this map — initially — is to head straight to the bottom of Slate’s story, where you’ll find a “play button” that’s green. Hit that button and watch the progression of unemployment that the maps depicts. After that, feel free to poke around the map on your own. It’s a very nice tool.From Slate.com (hat tip Credit Slips):The economic crisis, which has claimed more than 5 million jobs since the recession began, did not strike the entire country at once. A map of employment gains or losses by county tells the story of how those job losses first struck in the most vulnerable regions and then spread rapidly to the rest of the country. As early as August 2007, for example—several months before the recession officially began—jobs were already on the decline in southwest Florida; Orange County, Calif.; much of New Jersey; and Detroit, while other areas of the country remained on the uptick.Check out the interactive map here.