Arizona’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 5.9 percent in December to 5.6 percent in January despite a loss of 48,600 non-farm jobs.

 The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5 percent in December to 4.9 percent in January, according to figures released by the state March 10.

Arizona’s seasonally adjusted rate was 6.6 percent and the U.S. rate was 5.7 percent a year ago.

Job losses in January are typical in Arizona as employers reduce staff levels following the holiday months. 

The financial services sector was the only one that added jobs in January with 200 new positions.

Arizona non-farm employment grew by 3 percent or  78,100 jobs over the year in January.

The private sector accounted for all of the January gains, adding 83,200 jobs. Government employment declined by 5,100 jobs in January.