State jobless picture remains bright

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Nevada's economy continued strong in July with unemployment falling to 3.8 percent, down fourth-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.

There were an estimated 41,500 jobless, about 3,900 less than in June, and the state's rate continued below the 4.3 percent national average and the 5.2 percent California rate.

The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation said Friday total employment for the month reached 927,600, a gain of 36,900 jobs from July of last year.

Department Director Carol Jackson said, "Nevada's economy continues to hold steady with the infusion of employment opportunities from new and expanding businesses."

The Las Vegas metropolitan statistical area, which includes Clark and Nye counties in Nevada and Mohave County in Arizona, posted a 4.5 percent jobless rate, down three-tenths of a percentage point. There were an estimated 33,800 people out of work, about 2,000 fewer than in June.

Total employment in the area rose to 711,900, or 38,700 more jobs than a year ago.

Washoe County registered a 3 percent unemployment rate, down six-tenths of a percentage point from June. There were an estimated 5,500 people out of work.

The Carson City labor market area, which includes Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties, had a 4.2 percent unemployment rate, down ninth-tenths of a point compared with June. An estimated 2,370 people were unemployed.

Elko and Eureka counties reported unemployment at 4.2 percent, down nine-tenths of a point from the previous month. There were an estimated 950 jobless, about 1,500 less than in June. The stronger numbers come in spite of the cutback of some mining companies because of the lower price of gold.

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