Nevada unemployment hits new high, Carson City's falls

The jobless rate in Nevada grew to 13.4 percent in March, a record high for the Silver State, according to data released by the Department Employment, Training and Rehabilitation on Friday.

Unemployment in Carson City, meanwhile, fell last month from 13.7 percent February to 13.3 percent.

The high statewide unemployment means 186,900 Nevadans are jobless. In March, the state shed 4,300 jobs, most in the construction industry. The unemployment rate for Nevada in March 2009 was 10.6 percent.

The jobless rate in Reno-Sparks also fell from 13.4 percent, an all time high, to 13.2 percent. The Las Vegas area also fell one-tenth of a percent to 13.8 percent.

The national unemployment rate is 9.7 percent while the economy begins to show signs of growth. National employment increased in March, compared to February, by 162,000 jobs - the largest increase in three years.

"Any real turnaround in Nevada depends on sustained growth in the national economy and improved consumer sentiment," according to a DETR press release. "Nevada's economy will continue to bounce along the bottom without any real direction."