The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development released its September unemployment numbers on Friday. The seasonally adjusted rate for September has dropped slightly from August and is 6.4 percent. The non-seasonally adjusted rate began to climb as summer tourism and fishing winds down for the year. The non-adjusted rate in September was 5.7 percent.
Most boroughs and census areas had increases in the unemployment rate as summer activity slowed for the year. 21 of 29 boroughs and census areas had an increase. Bristol Bay Borough and the Dillingham Census Area has the highest increases in the state. The highest unemployment rate continues to be in the Kusilvak Census Area, which is currently 19.5 percent. The lowest is in the Aleutians West Census Area, holding at 2.9 percent.
The Alaska unemployment rate has not shown a noticeable trend during 2015, even while the National average has shown steady decline in the past few years. The challenges being faced by the State of Alaska have yet to be felt in the unemployment rates. The unemployment numbers will continue to be monitored closely as the economy shifts into the winter months and potential turmoil.
For detailed statistics, visit http://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/ces/
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