LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada’s unemployment rate remained at 5.7% in December as initial claims for unemployment benefits increased, according to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, just ahead of Washington, D.C., (5.6%), California (5.4%) and Illinois (5.3%), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rankings from November 2024.
Initial claims in Nevada have increased by 8% since November, and 1% compared to December of 2023, DETR reported.
Employment in the Las Vegas metro area increased by 4,200 jobs since November. Compared to December 2023, that’s up 7,800 jobs, or 0.7% growth over the year. That’s slightly behind the Reno metro area, which recorded 0.8% growth (2,100 jobs). Carson City did better with 2.2% growth (700 jobs) compared to last year.
David Schmidt, chief economist for DETR, noted that wage growth over the past year accelerated to the fastest pace this year, rising by 6.2%.
“This month’s report shows a slight rebound in employment growth, which rose to 0.7% over the year after adding 5,300 jobs from November to December,” Schmidt said.
The labor force grew by 1,129 people in December, DETR reported.
A report expected to be released next week will show changes in employment for each city and county.
