The May unemployment rate in Carson City fell from 10.1 percent to 9.5 percent, marking the lowest number of unemployed in the capital city since 2008.
Statewide, unemployment rate fell from 9.6 percent to 9.5 percent, seasonally adjusted, with 131,400 people looking for work, marking the 29th straight month of private-sector job creation on a year-over-year basis and the lowest number of unemployed since the worst of the recession hit the Silver State beginning in 2008.
“I am pleased that May’s 9.5 percent unemployment rate marks the lowest rate in Nevada since 2008,” Governor Brian Sandoval said. “May’s unemployment rate coupled with a decrease in initial unemployment insurance claims suggests that job losses in Nevada are easing.
"However, even though employment so far this year is nearly 25,000 jobs higher than a year ago, the pace of hiring activity remains cautious. While the decrease in the unemployment rate is encouraging, we must continue our work to diversify our economy and create new private sector jobs,” said the governor.
The Reno/Sparks unemployment rate dropped from 9.7 percent to 9.2 percent, while Las Vegas’ rate fell from 9.6 percent to 9.3 percent.
“Cautious optimism in Nevada’s economy is attracting more people into the labor force as May marks the fourth
consecutive month of expansion,” said Bill Anderson, chief economist for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
“The fact that our labor force is growing and the ranks of the unemployed are shrinking is a good indicator that Nevada is gaining momentum. The labor force grew by 1,100 with 2,200 people finding work and 1,100 people leaving unemployment in May.”
Anderson noted that in May 2013, 113,000 more Nevadans are working full-time relative to the recessionary low. While a significant improvement, he said, this represents a gain of only half the full-time positions lost since pre-recession levels. The number of part-time jobs in Nevada is still trending near all-time highs, although they have leveled off and fallen a bit with the slow improvement in the economy and corresponding rebound in full-time positions, he added.
Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement on Nevada’s May employment report.
“Nevada’s economy is continuing to add jobs, and today’s announcement is encouraging news. But the economy is not adding jobs as quickly as it should and we must do more to create jobs and help our economy grow. We can continue moving toward a full recovery if we make smart choices to boost our economy," said Reid.
"As I’ve said before, Republicans should work with Democrats to replace the sequester with a balanced solution that combines smart cuts with revenue measures that close tax loopholes benefiting the wealthiest Americans. A balanced plan is the way to fund investment in our economy, and in Nevada to stimulate the job growth we need," he said.