PHOENIX — For the third month in a row, and the fifth time this year, jobless claims increased in Arizona. But despite the increase, Greenlee County remains the county with the lowest unemployment numbers for the seventh month in a row.
That’s according to data released Thursday by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
The jobless rate in Greenlee County rose four-tenths of a point to 3 percent in June.
Meanwhile, Graham County’s unemployment rate rose six-tenths of a point, to 3.6 percent, keeping Graham County at the fourth lowest unemployment in the state.
Yavapai and Maricopa counties share the No. 2 spot, both with 3.4 percent unemployment.
Nearby Cochise County increased six-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in May to 4.3 percent in June.
Statewide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a point in June, to 3.3 percent; remaining well below the same time last year, when Arizona’s unemployment rate was at 5.2 percent. The national rate increased four-tenths of a point to 4 percent.
Seven economic sectors reported job gains in June: Manufacturing (up 3,000 jobs); construction (up 2,300 jobs); financial activities (up 1,100 jobs); professional and business services (up 1,000 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (up 800 jobs); information (up 600 jobs); and natural and resources and mining (up 100 jobs).
Reporting job losses were: Government (down 36,800 jobs); education and health services (down 2,100 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (down 1,400 jobs).
