County unemployment improves slightly

County unemployment slips slightly

Nye County’s unemployment dipped slightly as the county’s total employment increased, the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported Friday.

Unemployment was 9 percent in February, down from 9.4 percent a month prior. The number of people unemployed dropped to 1,480 from 1,540 during that same time, despite the labor force growing by 150 people to 16,470. According to the state, 14,990 county residents were employed in February.

The February unemployment percent is down from the 9.8 percent reported in 2014. However, the county labor force is down from 17,390 in February 2014, indicating some job seekers have left the market.

The county continues to lag behind the state’s unemployment rate, which was 7.2 percent. Neighboring county Clark also reported a 7.2 percent unemployment.

Nevada added both jobs and job seekers in February, led by construction which added 3,200 jobs year over year, for a 5.3 percent growth rate.

Other industries with strong growth state included trade, transportation and utilities, a category that includes retail; education and health services; and professional and business services such as law firms, architecture studios and employment agencies.