(Phoenix, AZ) – Arizona’s seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment increased to 9.2 percent in July from 8.7 percent in June as a consequence of mounting job losses across most industries in the state’s economy. For the nation, the adjusted rate of unemployment was essentially unchanged at 9.4 percent in July in comparison to 9.5 percent in June.
In July 2009, Arizona had a loss of 26,300 jobs. The losses were average for July given the last ten years of data.
Goods-producing industries (-4,900 jobs) had employment losses along with service-providing industries (-21,400 jobs). Job decreases occurred in both the private sector (-17,300 jobs) and public sector (-9,000 jobs).
Government job losses (-9,000) were mostly the result of seasonal decreases in public education (-9,900) at the local (-9,100) and state (-800) levels. In contrast, employment gains were reported at the federal level (+500 jobs).
Over-the-month employment gains occurred in July 2009 for three major industries including: professional and business services; information; and natural resources and mining. Job gains also occurred in these following sectors despite losses in the major industry group: aerospace products; health care services; insurance; accommodation; and the federal government.
Most other major industries and sectors experienced loss in July. It is uncertain when the rate of these over-the-year nonfarm employment losses will begin to slow and then change to job gains.