Friday, March 28, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- Unemployment in Nevada fell to 4.5 percent in February, its lowest rate since 1989, the state reported today.
Carol Jackson, director of the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said this is "a reflection on the state's phenomenal job growth -- which outpaces every other state in the country."
The rate was one-tenth of a percent below January and sixth-tenths of a percent under February 1996. The department said there were an estimated 40,800 people jobless, or 3,900 less than in January.
Unemployment in the Las Vegas metropolitan statistical area fell to 4.5 percent with 29,700 people out of work. That compares to 4.8 percent in January with 31,800 jobless. The area includes Clark and Nye counties in Nevada and Mohave County in Arizona.
Jackson said the state rate is below the national average of 5.3 percent in February.
Total employment grew to 839.1000 in February, up 11,300 jobs from January. And that was 60,900 higher than in February 1996.
Of the 60,900, the service industries accounted for 24,500 new jobs from last year for a 7 percent growth rate to 375,200 people.
archive
