JUNEAU, Alaska—Alaska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.8 percent in October, unchanged from September’s rate, which was revised down one-tenth of a percentage point. The comparable national rate was 4.9 percent.
October’s unadjusted rate was 6.3 percent, which was one-tenth of a percentage point lower than September. It is unusual for the unadjusted rate to fall from September to October, given typical seasonality, but changes that small aren’t necessarily significant.[xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]Around the state, unemployment rates were flat or fell in 10 boroughs and census areas in October. Areas that followed the statewide trend tended to be larger and more urban, such as Anchorage and the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Rates rose in 19 boroughs and census areas, which were mostly smaller and more seasonal. Rate increases were especially large in Skagway and the Denali Borough following the end of tourism season.
Preliminary estimates show payroll employment was down 2.7 percent in October compared to the same month in 2015. Nearly all major sectors were flat or down in October as the effects of oil industry and state government cuts rippled through the economy.
More details can be seen at the Alaska Department of Labor (PDF)
Source: Alaska Department of Labor
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