PHOENIX — The number of unemployed in Graham and Greenlee counties rose slightly to start the new year, but the two counties still have among the lowest jobless rates in the state.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
After six straight months of declines, the jobless rate in Greenlee County rose from 2.2 percent in December — a historic low — to 2.8 percent in January. However, even with the increase, Greenlee County continues to have the lowest unemployment in the state.
Graham County was also at 2.2 percent unemployment in December and experienced a slightly greater gain in January, climbing to 3 percent. That puts Graham County third in the state, behind Yavapai County at 2.9 percent unemployed.
Nearby Cochise County climbed more than one full percentage point, from 2.8 percent in December to 3.9 percent in January.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a point in January to 3.7 percent; remaining well below the same time last year, when Arizona’s unemployment rate was at 6.1 percent. The national rate fell one-tenth of a point in January to 4 percent.
Only three job sectors reported gains in January: manufacturing (up 1,000 jobs); leisure and hospitality (up 800 jobs); and natural resources and mining (up 100 jobs).
Reporting job losses in January were: professional and business services (down 14,100 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (down 13,500 jobs); government (down 6,400 jobs); education and health services (down 5,200 jobs); financial activities (down 3,300 jobs); construction (down 1,800 jobs); and information (down 1,200 jobs).
