PHOENIX — For the fourth month in a row, jobless claims increased in Arizona. But despite the increase, Greenlee County remains the county with the lowest unemployment numbers for the eighth month in a row.
That’s according to data released last week by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
The jobless rate in Greenlee County rose one-tenth of a point to 3.1 percent in July.
Meanwhile, Graham County’s unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a point, to 3.8 percent, keeping Graham County at the fourth lowest unemployment in the state.
Maricopa County has the second-lowest unemployment rate at 3.3 percent, while Yavapai County is third at 3.4 percent.
Nearby Cochise County increased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.3 percent in June to 4.4 percent in July.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate remained flat in July, at 3.3 percent; remaining well below the same time last year, when Arizona’s unemployment rate was at 4.9 percent. The national rate decreased one-tenth of a point to 3.5 percent.
Eight economic sectors reported job gains in July: Professional and business services (up 6,400 jobs); education and health services (up 5,200 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (up 4,600 jobs); manufacturing (up 2,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (up 1,400 jobs); financial activities (up 1,200 jobs); construction (up 200 jobs); and natural and resources and mining (up 200 jobs).
Reporting job losses were: Government (down 3,000 jobs) and information (down 100 jobs).
