Nevada 2012 Jobless Rate Improves - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video -

Nevada's jobless rate for 2012 was better than initially thought.

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation says the state's unemployment rate for the year dropped to 11.1%, down from a preliminary estimate of 11.6%.

The agency on Thursday said the state gained 18,100 jobs over the year, up from the previous estimate of 9,300.

State economist Bill Anderson says the private sector led Nevada's job growth, adding about 19,400 jobs. The public sector, however, shed 1,300 jobs.

Nevada still leads the nation in unemployment, a distinction it has held since May 2010. The jobless rate peaked in October that year at 14%.  (AP)