PHOENIX — The unemployment rate in Graham County saw a significant increase in May.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Graham County’s jobless rate increased seven-tenths of a point in May, to 3.6 percent, tied with Pima County for the fourth-lowest unemployment in the state.
The unemployment rate in Greenlee County also increased in May, though not as significantly as in Graham. The jobless rate rose three-tenths of a point to 2.5 percent. That’s seven-tenths of a point better than Maricopa County at 3.2 percent, and nine-tenths of a point better than Yavapai County at 3.4 percent.
It’s the 18th month in a row Greenlee County had the lowest unemployment in the state.
Jobless claims in nearby Cochise County increased three-tenths of a point in May, at 4.3 percent.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate remained flat in May, at 3.4 percent, which is three-tenths of a point lower than the same time last year. The national rate increased three-tenths of a point to 3.4 percent.
Two economic sectors reported job gains in May: Manufacturing (up 700 jobs), and natural and resources and mining (up 300 jobs).
Reporting job losses were: Professional and business services (down 7,200 jobs); government (down 4,500 jobs); financial activities (down 3,800 jobs); private education and health services (down 2,400 jobs); construction (down 1,300 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (down 1,200 jobs); and information (down 800 jobs).
The leisure and hospitality sector showed no job gains or losses.
