PHOENIX — After three straight months of increases, the unemployment rate in Graham County fell in August.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Graham County’s jobless rate dropped a half percentage point, to 4.3 percent, in August, good for the fourth-lowest rate in the state.
Meanwhile, Greenlee County kept alive its streak of the county with the lowest unemployment in the state, falling two-tenths of a point to 3.1 percent in August. It’s the 21st month in a row Greenlee has had the state’s lowest unemployment.
Yavapai County has the state’s second-lowest unemployment at 3.9 percent, while Maricopa County is third at 4 percent.
Jobless claims in nearby Cochise County dropped four-tenths of a point in August, to 5.1 percent.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a point in August, to 3.8 percent, which is two-tenths of a point lower than the same time last year. The national rate remained flat at 3.8 percent.
Five economic sectors reported job gains in August: Government (up 31,700 jobs); private education and health services (up 8,800 jobs); professional and business services (up 6,000 jobs); construction (up 3,900); and financial activities (up 2,500).
Reporting job losses were: Trade, transportation and utilities (down 1,200 jobs); manufacturing (down 800 jobs); leisure and hospitality (down 700 jobs); and information (down 200 jobs).
The natural and resources and mining job sector reported no net gain or loss in jobs in August.
