Nevada's 7.1 percent jobless rate worst since 1985

CARSON CITY (AP) " Nevada's unemployment rate is now the worst it's been in 23 years.

The State Department of Employment reports the seasonally adjusted jobless rate for August climbed to 7.1 percent. That's up significantly from the 6.6 percent unemployment rate in July and up dramatically from the 4.9 percent of August a year ago.

The last time the figure was so high in Nevada was in 1985 when it rose to 7.4 percent.

The department's chief economist Bill Anderson blames the housing collapse, the credit crisis and high energy costs. He says travel costs are especially affecting tourism in the state.

Nevada's rate compares to a national jobless figure of 6.1 percent.

Elko has the lowest rate in the state at 4 percent. The Las Vegas metro area reported 7.1 percent, Carson City 6.8 percent and Reno-Sparks 6.6 percent.