Greenlee holds on to lowest unemployment in the state

- David Bell Graph/Gila Valley Central

PHOENIX — In May, for the second 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 sixth month in a row.

That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

The jobless rate in Greenlee County rose two-tenths of a point to 2.6 percent in May.

Meanwhile, Graham County’s unemployment rate rose four-tenths of a point, to 3 percent, dropping Graham County from second lowest in the state in April to fourth lowest in May.

Yavapai County now has the second-lowest unemployment rate at 2.8 percent, while Maricopa County sits at third lowest with 2.9 percent.

Nearby Cochise County increased three-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.4 percent in April to 3.7 percent in May.

Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment remained flat in May, at 3.2 percent; remaining well below the same time last year, when Arizona’s unemployment rate was at 5.4 percent. The national rate also remained flat at 3.6 percent.

Five economic sectors reported job gains in May: leisure and hospitality (up 4.900 jobs); information (up 1,300 jobs); manufacturing (up 400 jobs); natural and resources and mining (up 200 jobs); and construction (up 100 jobs).

Reporting job losses were: government (down 6,700 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (down 3,800 jobs); professional and business services (down 2,000 jobs); and education and health services (down 400 jobs).

No gains or losses were reported in the financial activities economic sector.

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