Arizona unemployment rate rises to 4.7 percent in October

Arizona’s unemployment rate for October was 4.7 percent, up from 4.6 percent in September.

The state Office of Economic Opportunity says the seasonally adjusted labor force increased by just over 16,300 people while Arizona’s economy added 23,300 nonfarm jobs between September and October.

The government sector lost 1,200 jobs, below the average October gain of 3,300 jobs during the post-recession period.

Meanwhile, the private sector added 24,500 nonfarm jobs during October, an increase higher than the post-recession average gain of 22,300 jobs.

The professional and business services sector had the biggest increase with 7,600 additional jobs.

The education and health services sector and the leisure and hospitality sector each added 3,800 jobs, while the construction sector added 3,700 jobs.