Local News

May 31, 2007

The rate of unemployment continued its decline in April in Wahkiakum County and across the state, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.
The figures said 110 of 1,630 people in the county's labor force, 6.5 percent, were out of work in April, compared to 110 of 1,680 in March, 6.6 percent. In April, 2006, 110 of 1,620 in the labor force, 6.6 percent, were out of work.
Statewide, unemployment dropped from 5 percent in March to 4.3 percent in April. The rate was 4.9 percent in April, 2006.
Cowlitz County's rate remained even over March and April at 5.9 percent. The rate was 6.5 percent in April, 2006.
Pacific County's rate dipped from 6.8 percent in March to 6.6 percent in April. The rate was 6.7 percent in April, 2006.
San Juan County had the state's lowest unemployment rate, 3.3 percent, in April, and Ferry County had the highest, 9.2 percent.
In metropolitan areas, Seattle had the lowest at 3.5 percent and Yakima had the highest at 6.1 percent.