Nevada No. 1 in job creation in United States

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001 | 9:55 a.m.

Nevada continues to rank as the No. 1 state in the nation for job creation, although the growth rate of 3 percent in September was the lowest since 1992.

The Western Blue Chip Economic Forecast from the Bank One Economic Outlook Center at Arizona State University also said that only three Western states today rank in the nation's top 10 fastest-growing economies.

Nevada ranks first, followed by Texas (No. 5) and New Mexico (No. 8).

The forecast predicts Nevada will have the most job growth of any state for 2001, at about 4 percent, and should see 3.5 percent growth next year.

Lee McPheters, editor of the Western Blue Chip, said the Western states are moving into 2002 with economies shackled by weaknesses in high technology sectors, reduced tourism and business travel and shaky consumer confidence.

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