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August Sees Slight Uptick in Colorado Unemployment

CO Division of Housing

The U.S. Labor Department says unemployment rates increased in 26 states last month. In spite of job losses, Colorado’s unemployment rate remains unchanged at 8.5%.

The number of nonfarm payroll positions in the state declined by 1,800 in August, reversing the trend of small gains over the previous three months. 

State labor officials say economic uncertainty at both the national and global levels is having an effect here in Colorado.

"The national release this month was that the numbers were absolutely flat – no jobs lost, and no jobs added," says Alexandra Hall, Chief Economist with the Department of Labor and Employment. "So you can see things are slowing at the national level, and we’re seeing that reflected in the state numbers.”

Colorado lost jobs in the leisure, hospitality and transportation sectors; with some gains in construction, education and health services.

Although the jobless rate remains stubbornly high, it’s lower than the 8.8% it was one year ago – and still below the national rate of 9.1%. 

As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.
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