Carson City unemployment unchanged in September, Reno adds 300 jobs
CARSON CITY — Las Vegas and Reno areas continued to gain jobs in September, while Carson City job growth remained unchanged for the month, according to figures released Tuesday by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.
The September 2018 economic report shows jobs increased statewide by 3.2 percent, which correlates to 43,500 new jobs added since September of last year. The largest over the month job gain in the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) was realized in Las Vegas, at 3,700. Reno added 300 jobs over the month while Carson City remained unchanged and in line with seasonal expectations. Both Reno and Las Vegas added jobs at a faster rate than the state as a whole in September.
September’s report also shows strong job growth over the month in Reno and Las Vegas continues to constructively impact those areas’ unemployment rates. Positive job growth statewide in September is reflecting similar results in many of the rural counties in the State. Fifteen counties realized over the year declines in their unemployment rates in September.
“The Silver State continues to show positive results in its labor market as urban areas continue to expand their workforce. People are still finding jobs which is keeping unemployment rates relatively low in the metro areas. Initial claims continue to decline in the metros indicating job seekers are remaining in the workforce upon entrance,” said David Schmidt, Chief Economist, for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation.
Additional September 2018 Economic Report Highlights:
Job Growth in September (Seasonally-Adjusted):
— Carson City remained unchanged from August but is up 500 jobs over the year (1.6 percent).
— Las Vegas is up 3,700 jobs over the month but is up 34,200 over the year (3.5 percent).
— Reno added 300 jobs over the month and 9,200 over the year (four percent).
Unemployment:
— Carson City: 4.2 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from August; down 0.3 percentage point from a year ago.
— Las Vegas: 4.7 percent; down 0.2 percentage point from August, and down half a percentage point from a year ago.
— Reno: 3.4 percent; down 0.3 percentage point from August; down half a percentage from this time last year.
— Unemployment rates remain below four percent in ten counties.
— Unemployment rates declined on an over-the-year basis in 15 of 17 counties.
— Eureka, at 2.2 percent, held the state's lowest unemployment rate and marks the city’s lowest rate on record since 1997.
— Initial claims for unemployment insurance, using a 13-week moving average, have declined by nearly 7.11 percent through the end of September.
Other Figures:
— Labor force growth has been concentrated in the State’s urban areas while most rural counties are experiencing declines.
— 2017 gross domestic product (GDP) is up in each of the State’s metro areas. Las Vegas 2017 GDP totaled $96.1 billion.
— Clark (+53,500) experienced the largest increase in job ad volume over last year, totaling 163,800 ads year-to-date.