Unemployment rate stays at 6.4 percent in October

JUNEAU, Alaska—Alaska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 6.4 percent in October, unchanged from the month before. The comparable national rate was 5.0 percent.

The unadjusted rate increased four-tenths of a percentage point for the state, from 5.7 percent in September to 6.1 percent in October. This increase reflects the normal taper of Alaska’s economy as seasonal industries wind down for winter.

Around the state, unadjusted rates rose from September to October in 23 out of 29 boroughs and census areas, consistent with the statewide trend. Anchorage’s rate remained unchanged at 4.7 percent.

All three parts of the Northern Region — the Nome Census Area and the Northwest Arctic and North Slope boroughs — bucked the statewide trend and had slightly lower unemployment rates in October. That’s partly due to those areas having fewer seasonal jobs in industries like tourism and seafood processing.

The largest rate increase was in Skagway, where it climbed from 4.3 to 15.8 percent. Skagway’s economy is heavily dependent on cruise ship tourism, which ends in September. (For more information contact Caroline Schultz, Economist 907-465-6027, Caroline.Schultz@Alaska.Gov )