Nevada jobless rate drops

Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 | 11:22 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Unemployment in Nevada fell slightly in August and 4,000 new jobs were created during the month, signaling the continuing effect of the state's strong economy.

The state Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation reported today an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, with an estimated 48,700 persons out of work in August. That compares with the 4.2 percent in July when there were 52,000 unemployed.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said, "Nevada continues to be a remarkable example of job creation and low unemployment. We will watch what impacts the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina might have on our economy."

The governor said many people from the Gulf States have arrived in Nevada "because of our great job market."

Total employment statewide reached 1,231,800, an increase of 4,000 from July.

Clark County's jobless rate fell to 4 percent in August, down from 4.3 percent in July. There were an estimated 34,800 persons out of work, compared with 37,200 in July. Total employment rose from 873,100 in July to 877,200 in August in Southern Nevada.

Nevada's 4.1 percent rate compares with the 4.9 percent national rate and 5.1 percent in California.

Birgit Baker, director of the state agency, said labor experts are keeping a close watch on the economic effects of the hurricane in Nevada. "We know that jet fuel, gasoline, natural gas and heating oil prices will more than likely increase. That alone can result in a trickle down affect in the state's economy."

Statewide construction employment increased 13.1 percent when compared to August 2004; manufacturing was up 3.2 percent; retail trade increased 4.1 percent; casinos and hotels grew 4.4 percent; government employment rose 3.6 percent and professional and business services employed 9.4 percent more jobs compared to a year ago.

The department said hotel and casino employment in Clark County rose 6.4 percent to 177,700 jobs in August compared to a year ago; construction accounted for 105,800 employed, up 15.1 percent; manufacturing recorded a 6.4 percent gain to 25,000 and retail trade reported 93,800 jobs, up 5.2 percent.