PHOENIX — Graham County’s unemployment rate rose significantly in May.
According to data released Thursday by the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Graham County’s unemployment rate rose seven-tenths of a percentage point to 3.6% in May, joining Pima County for the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in the state.
Greenlee County’s unemployment rate also rose in May, but less so than Graham’s. The unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a percentage point to 2.5%. This is 7/10 points better than Maricopa County’s 3.2% and 9/10 points better than Yavapai County’s 3.4%.
Greenlee County has the lowest unemployment rate in the state for 18 consecutive months.
Jobless claims in nearby Cochise County jumped three-tenths of a percentage point in May to 4.3%.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was flat at 3.4% in May, down 0.3 percentage points from the same period last year. The national tax rate he increased by 3 points in his 10th he rose to 3.4 percent.
Two economic sectors reported job growth in May: manufacturing (+700 jobs) and natural resources and mining (+300 jobs).
Reported job losses are as follows: Professional and business services (7,200 jobs lost). Government (4,500 fewer jobs). Financial activity (3,800 jobs lost). private education and health services (2,400 fewer jobs); Construction industry (1,300 jobs cut). Trade, transportation and utilities (1,200 fewer jobs). and information (800 fewer jobs).
There was no increase or decrease in employment in the leisure and service industry.
