Arizona's September 2012 unemployment rate was published at 8.2%. This rate is a decrease of 0.1% from August and now matches the lowest rates in Arizona for 2012. There were an estimated 245,200 unemployed people in AZ in September. This is a drop of approximately 4,600 people from the preceding month of August. Along with this was an increase of around 8,400 to the number of employed in AZ and a further increase of around 3,800 in Arizona's overall workforce. Combined these numbers caused the 0.1% drop in the unemployment rate in Arizona in September. When compared to national rate, however, Arizona's 8.2% September rates remains slightly (0.4%) higher than the U.S. average of 7.8%.
A year ago Arizona had an unemployment rate of 9.4% and an estimated number of unemployed workers at about 283,500. Contrasting September 2011 to September 2012 the overall rate dropped 1.2% and there are around 38,300 fewer workers unemployed in Arizona. During the past year there are also approximately 24,400 more people employed in the state. However, the past 12 months also saw a reduction in Arizona's total civilian workforce by approximately 14,000. These individuals have probably either quit looking for work or have left the state.
Arizona's business sector employment statistics are mixed in September 2012. Businesses that saw improvements in their total employment numbers were Manufacturing, Trade Transportation and Utilities, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality, and a significant increase in Government. Arizona business sectors that were negative in September included Mining & Logging, Construction, Information, Financial Activities and Professional & Business Services.
The Arizona major business sector with the biggest 12 month percentage increase was Professional & Business Services - up 4%. Both Other Services and Information saw the largest 12 month decline - both were down 3%. Trade Transportation and Utilities continues to be the AZ industry with the most employed with roughly 485,300 workers in September. Closely behind is Government with around 416,400 workers and Education and Health Services with 369,100.
Arizona's not alone in having a lower unemployment rate in September. For the month 41 states published a lower rate, including many in the West. California's unemployment rate fell 0.4% to 10.2%. Also down was the State of Nevada dropping form 12.1% in August to 11.8% in September. New Mexico's rate also fell by 0.1% to just 6.4%. The State of Colorado's September 2012 unemployment rate also dropped to 8.0%.
Arizona's October employment numbers will be made available in a few weeks. When they are we'll once more review the results and see how they compare to previous months and to others in the area. Please be reminded that formerly released employment statistics can be adjusted in the future.
If you're unemployed in AZ and looking for information please visit the Arizona Unemployment Headquarters.
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