According to state figures, 7.1 percent of people in Douglas County did not have a job in the month of January.
"Douglas County is consistent with what's going on around the state," said Jim Shabi, economist for the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. "Unfortunately we can't break down counties by industry, but like the rest of the state, Douglas' unemployment rate has grown by about one full percentage point."
Douglas County did see a gain of 900 in its labor force from last year, those 16 or older who work; yet rising unemployment overshadowed that increase.
In Reno and Sparks, unemployment rose to 6.6 percent and rose to 7.5 percent in Carson City.
Statewide, the unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, up from 4.5 percent last year.
Nevada's construction industry has taken the hardest hit, losing 25,000 jobs between June 2006 and January 2008.
"Housing market problems are proving to be more persistent than expected, and an end is not yet in sight," said Bill Anderson, the department's chief economist. "Inflation is on the rise, as consumer prices rose 4.3 percent."
Retail employment was also hit, losing 4,700 as the holiday season came to an end.
"January unemployment rates reflected the soft economy," said Anderson. "The economy will continue to face challenges in 2008."
