Unemployment in Maricopa continues upward trend

The Arizona Department of Commerce has released the latest unemployment figures, and the city of Maricopa’s rate is still rising.

In October the city experienced a tenth of a percentage growth in its unemployment rate, rising from 8.6 in October to 8.7 in November. The increase reflects six consecutive months in which unemployment percentages have risen in the city and brings the yearly average unemployment rate to 7.1 percent.

According to the report, the total labor force in Maricopa grew from 15,897 to 15,911 in November, and the total number of unemployed grew from 1375 to 1389. The number of people who are employed remained constant at 14,522.

Statewide the unemployment rate remained stable at 6.1 percent, leaving the yearly average rate at 5 percent.

Meanwhile the rate in Pinal County grew a tenth of a percent, rising from 7.7 to 7.8 from October to November. This growth brings the average unemployment rate for the year up to 6.4 percent.

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