Jobless rate drops in all of Nevada’s metro areas

In September, unemployment rates fell year over year in all three of Nevada’s major population areas — Carson City, Reno-Sparks and Las Vegas.

In Carson City and Las Vegas, unemployment dropped from 6 percent in August to 5.6 percent in September, according to a report released Tuesday by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Unemployment in Reno-Sparks fell to 4.5 percent in September from 4.9 percent in August.

Statewide unemployment in September fell to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.8 percent, down from 6.3 percent in August.

Unemployment rates fell in all 17 Nevada counties, ranging from a low of 4.1 percent in Elko to 8 percent in Mineral.

“Despite monthly volatility in job growth, the metro areas continue to experience positive economic improvement,” said Bill Anderson, chief economist for the employment department.

Las Vegas payrolls grew 2.2 percent year over year, an increase of 20,300 payrolls since September 2015. Goods-producing industries in the area added a non-seasonally adjusted 7,800 jobs, while service providers gained a non-seasonally adjusted 13,100 jobs over that period.

The employment department reported last month the state had recovered all 186,400 jobs lost during the recession and surpassed total employment prior to the recession.

Contact Alexander S. Corey at acorey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0270. Find @acoreynews on Twitter.