Another increase in jobless claims in Greenlee, Graham

- David Bell Graph/Gila Valley Central

PHOENIX — Unemployment continues to increase in both Graham and Greenlee counties.

That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.

Greenlee County’s unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a point in July to 3.2 percent. It’s the third month in a row jobless claims increased; however, Greenlee County continues to have the lowest unemployment in the state and has for 32 months in a row.

Graham County’s jobless rate increased four-tenths of a percentage point, to 4.1 percent in July. Graham is tied with Yavapai County for the third-lowest rate in the state, behind Greenlee and Maricopa County at 3.8 percent.

The unemployment rate in nearby Cochise County increased six-tenths of a point in July, to 5 percent.

Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a point to 3.4 percent, while the national unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a point to 4.3 percent in July.

Job gains were reported in six economic sectors: Professional and business services (up 3,000 jobs), construction (up 2,900 jobs), financial activities (up 2,400 jobs), health care and social assistance (up 1,100 jobs), natural resources and mining (up 200 jobs) and information (up 200 jobs).

Reporting job losses were: Leisure and hospitality (down 5,800 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (down 4,500 jobs); government (down 3,900 jobs); private educational services (down 3,100 jobs); and manufacturing (down 1,000 jobs).

“This year’s job loss was significantly smaller than the average July decline of 20,000 jobs recorded between 2010 and 2019, underscoring the resilience of Arizona’s economy amid broader national challenges,” said Doug Walls, chief economist for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.

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