PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona's unemployment rate is up.

The state Department of Commerce reported Thursday a seasonally adjusted nonfarm unemployment rate for October of 6.1 percent. That's up from 5.9 percent in September but below the national average of 6.5 percent last month.

As the economy continued to slow, Arizona lost 2,200 nonfarm jobs in October with seven major industries reporting declines (manufacturing; construction; trade, transportation and utilities; information; financial activities; professional and business services; and other services).

The largest gains were in the government sector, which added 4,300 jobs, mostly in local education. Educational and health services gained 2,000 jobs.

Trade, transportation and utilities employment lost 500 jobs.

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