PHOENIX — For the sixth time this year, unemployment is below 3 percent in Greenlee County.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.
Greenlee County’s unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a point in August to 2.8 percent, the first month of unemployment declines after three straight months of increases.
August marks the 33rd month in a row Greenlee County has the lowest unemployment in the state.
Graham County’s jobless rate also fell in August, dropping four-tenths of a percentage point, to 3.6 percent. Graham has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in the state, behind Greenlee, Yavapai County at 3.3 percent and Maricopa County at 3.4 percent.
The unemployment rate in nearby Cochise County dropped seven-tenths of a point in August, to 4.3 percent.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate stayed flat in August, 3.4 percent, while the national unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a point to 4.2 percent.
Job gains were reported in seven economic sectors: Government (up 26,200 jobs), private educational services (up 7,500 jobs), leisure and hospitality (up 6,700 jobs), professional and business services (up 3,900 jobs), health care and social assistance (up 3,200 jobs), information (up 200 jobs), and natural resources and mining (up 100 jobs).
Reporting job losses were: Manufacturing (down 1,700 jobs); financial activities (down 600 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (down 400 jobs); and construction (up 200 jobs).
“Looking forward, Arizona’s labor market remains on solid ground, driven by steady job creation across diverse industries,” said Doug Walls, chief economist for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.
