New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Utah ranks number 1 in the nation for private job growth at 3.5 percent. Utah also ranks high at number 2 for total job growth at 3.3 percent. Utah’s 3.1 percent unemployment rate puts the state at number 7 in the nation for unemployment. Basin unemployment exceeds the state average but has been consistently trending downward. The most recent numbers showed Daggett County at 3.9 percent unemployment, Duchesne County dropping two-tenths of a percent from the month before to 7.4 percent, and Uintah County jumping from 8 to 7.6 percent. Regardless, officials consider Utah’s job a benefit to all areas of the state. “Because of the hard work Utahns put in every day, we are leading the nation in both private sector job growth and overall job growth,” says Governor Gary Herbert. “These accolades are a result of our commitment to fundamental, conservative principles that cultivate an environment where business can succeed.”
