Labor market tightens as unemployment falls

The national economy began to weaken last year, but Anne Arundel County has maintained its crown as one of the healthiest labor markets in the state.

Indeed, the low rate is a hallmark of Anne Arundel's robust economy. But as the county prepares for thousands of defense-related jobs around Fort George G. Meade, the rate also symbolizes the tightening of an already competitive labor market that experts said will become even more cutthroat in years to come.

Already, some local firms are spending more money on...