Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Clark County jobless rate climbs to 10 percent in January

Statewide unemployment rate at 9.4 percent - highest since August 1983

Updated Friday, March 6, 2009 | 8:12 a.m.

Reid statement

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, today made the following statement about Nevada's 9.4 percent jobless rate for January.

“Today’s grim unemployment numbers are another sign of just how much Nevada is suffering in this economy. There is no doubt our state is feeling the effects more than just about any other state in the country.

“While we should all be concerned by a 9.4 percent unemployment rate in our state, I am also encouraged by the steps that have recently been taken to get our economy moving again. The economic recovery package Congress passed and the omnibus appropriations bill I hope will pass next week provide our state with much-needed funding for Nevada projects that will create jobs, particularly in transportation and energy. We are also working on a housing plan that will help struggling Nevadans stay in their homes by allowing them to renegotiate the terms of their mortgage loans.

“With so many Nevadans out of work, it is also imperative that the state make every effort to take advantage of the additional unemployment funding made available to the state as a result of the recovery package.

“Today’s numbers are a reminder of how important it is that we stand strong in our resolve to make Nevada the world leader in, and a net exporter of renewable energy. With our vast solar, wind and geothermal potential, Nevada stands to create tens of thousands of jobs by leading the way in developing these resources that will meet our state’s power demands with affordable clean energy. I’ll continue my work to increase investments in Nevada’s renewable energy industry so we can get Nevadans back to work and strengthen our economy."

CARSON CITY – Unemployment in Clark County hit 10 percent in January, the first time it has been in double digits with 101,700 persons jobless.

The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported today that the state’s jobless rate continued on its near-record pace at 9.4 percent compared to the national 7.6 percent but still lower than California at 10.1 percent.

William Anderson, chief economist for the department, said an increase in unemployment is typically expected in January over December. But it was stronger this time because of the downturn in the economy.

He said January’s statewide jobless rate was the highest since August 1983.

The 10 percent rate in Clark County surpasses the record 9.1 percent in December.

There was a marked drop in casino-hotel employment in Southern Nevada in January. The 170,300 employed in December in the industry fell to 158,900 in January.

Construction employment in Clark County dropped 4,000 jobs to 82,600 workers in January. The number of those working in manufacturing declined from 25,600 to 24,300. And employment in utilities, transportation and trade fell from 166,600 in December to 158,000 in January.

Anderson said the number of casino hotel jobs per hotel room in Southern Nevada has fallen markedly since mid 2006. In December 2008, there were 1.17 casino hotel jobs per each hotel room. In mid 2006, there were in excess of 1.3 jobs per room. Just a decade ago that statistic was approaching 1.4 jobs per room.

The department reported there were 143,600 unemployed statewide. Anderson said there are currently 96,000 people receiving unemployment checks each week with more than 106,000 claims being filed weekly.

Anderson said there was a loss of 26,100 jobs in 2008 compared to 2007.

“Nevada’s employers scaled back jobs by nearly 60,000 in January from the same month a year ago. Statewide, construction employment was down 20,100 compared to a year ago. Leisure and hospitality fell by 19,000 jobs.

Carson City experienced the highest unemployment rate at 11.1 percent, compared to 9.4 percent in December. Washoe County posted an 11 percent rate compared to 9 percent in December.

Anderson said the deteriorating labor markets “are having broad-ranging impacts.” He said Nevada for several years led the nation in population growth.

“However, preliminary information suggests that population growth has slowed markedly as the economy has weakened.” He said the population of the state grew by just 0.8 percent in 2008. From 1997-2007, the population gains averaged 4.3 percent annually.

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