Many more Nevadans are getting back to work. That’s according to economic data released Wednesday that shows the unemployment rate in Nevada dropped to its lowest level in seven years. Reno Public Radio’s Anh Gray reports.
The unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in June. State economist Bill Anderson says it’s the first time since the height of the recession that the state’s unemployment rate has dipped below seven percent, but he cautions that the number of people still not working remains high.
“Yes, it’s been cut in half from where it was at the height of the recession," Anderson says, "but 6.9 percent will still be amongst the highest in the nation.”
But there is a silver lining.
“The most encouraging trend to me," Anderson explains, "is what’s taking place in terms of job growth, and in fact, our job growth, which is hovering right around 3.5 to 4 percent is second-strongest in the nation.”
Anderson says that, overall, job growth can be seen across the board in nearly all industries, including leisure and hospitality and construction, two sectors that were previously hit hard during the recession.