PHOENIX — Jobless claims in Greenlee County increased slightly in April, but that hasn’t changed Greenlee position as the county with the lowest unemployment in the state.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Jobless claims in Greenlee County increased one-tenth of a point in April, up to 2.2 percent. That’s seven-tenths of a point better than the counties with the next lowest unemployment, and the 17th month in a row Greenlee County had the lowest unemployment.
Meanwhile Graham County’s jobless rate dropped one-tenth of a point in April, to 2.9 percent, tied with Maricopa County for the second-lowest unemployment in the state.
Jobless claims in nearby Cochise County remained flat in April, at 4 percent.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a point in April, down to 3.4 percent, which is also two-tenths of a point lower than the same time last year. The national rate dropped five-tenths of a point to 3.1 percent.
Six economic sectors reported job gains in April: Leisure and hospitality (up 5,100 jobs); private education and health services (up 4,300 jobs); government (up 3,500 jobs); professional and business services (up 2,400 jobs); construction (up 1,900 jobs); and natural and resources and mining (up 100 jobs).
Reporting job losses were: Manufacturing (down 1,000 jobs); financial activities (down 1,000 jobs); and trade, transportation and utilities (down 900 jobs).
The information job sector showed no net gain or loss in jobs in April.
