Jobless rate in Nevada at 3-year low

Monday, March 29, 2004 | 11:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Unemployment fell to 4.4 percent in February in Nevada, its lowest point in three years as the state economy boomed, an agency reported today.

The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation said there were an estimated 54,800 people out of work last month, or 4,900 less than in January.

The 4.4 percent compares with the 5.6 percent national average and 6.2 percent in California. It is lower than the 4.5 percent in January and is the lowest since January 2001.

Gov. Kenny Guinn noted the jobless rate has been declining steadily since last summer.

"The anticipated recovery of the Southern Nevada gaming industry provides encouragement that the unemployment rate will remain low and job growth will remain robust."

Total employment statewide reached 1.1 million, up 4.1 percent from February 2003.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan statistic area that includes Clark and Nye counties and Mohave County in Arizona posted a 4.6 percent jobless rate, down three-tenths of a percentage point from January and seven-tenths of a point from February 2003. There were an estimated 42,500 unemployed, down 3,200 from January.

The department said total employment in the Las Vegas market grew 4.4 percent to 838,800 in the year-to-year comparison.

Department Director Myla Florence said, "Good news continues to come from the state's rural counties. Mining activity is increasing, and there are reports that the housing market in several rural counties is seeing substantial improvement."

"In addition, a number of power plant projects have been proposed for the northern part of the state that could create jobs and aid economic development efforts," said Florence, who is retiring next month.

Despite the growth in the number of employed statewide, those working in casinos and hotels fell 0.2 percent to 202,800 compared to the same month of a year ago. The department reported construction gained 11.6 percent in jobs to 103,100 statewide in the year-to-year comparison.

Trade, transportation and utilities reported 197,500 employed in February, up 4.1 percent; professional and business service grew 6.8 percent to 125,800; education and health services posted a 5.2 percent gain to 78,300 statewide and government employment inched up 1.5 percent to 138,600.

The department reported employment in the Las Vegas area in hotels and casinos increased 0.6 percent to 164,200 compared to February 2003; construction grew 10.7 percent to 83,800 jobs; manufacturing was up 6.5 percent to 26,400; trade, transportation and utilities posted a 4.8 percent gain to 148,500 employed and professional and business services registered a 5.3 percent gain to 97,500.

Education and health services in the Las Vegas area reported 58,700 employed, up 5.6 percent, and government jobs rose 1.6 percent to 92,500 working.