Las Vegas’ jobless rate was again among the top in the country for big metro areas in August, new data shows.

Southern Nevada’s unemployment rate, 5.6 percent, was fourth highest in the nation among the 50-plus metro areas with at least 1 million people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Among that group, the lowest unemployment rate in August, at 2.5 percent, was in both Birmingham, Alabama, and Honolulu. The highest, at 7.9 percent, was in Fresno, California.

In July, Las Vegas’ unemployment rate of 6 percent was tied for third highest among large metro areas.

At least locally, the jobless rate did not slide because of a sudden turnaround in the economy. America’s casino capital has been grappling this year with a drop in tourism — the region’s main economic engine —

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