LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Nevada's unemployment rate in May was 11.6 percent, the lowest it has been in three years.
This is the ninth consecutive month the rate has shown improvement, according to Nevada's Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR).
Still, the total of Nevadans unemployed remained significantly high, DETR reported. About 158,300 people remain without a job. Some have even given up looking for work.
Governor Brian Sandoval, though, expressed optimism about the improvement in Nevada's job market.
"I am encouraged by this month's job report. With another month of positive news, we are beginning to see several sectors of our economy grow. While these are strong signs, we must continue to help our economy strengthen by cultivating new businesses and expanding those already here," said Sandoval.
Out of the state's three metropolitan areas, Las Vegas had the highest jobless rate at 11.8 percent. Carson City's unemployment rate was 11.7 percent, and Reno's rate was 11.5 percent.
A seasonally adjusted 5,900 jobs were added around the state in May.
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