Local unemployment plummets in Decembe

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Unemployment in Wahkiakum County fell from 6.5 percent in November to 5.8 percent in December, according to the latest reports from the sate Employment Security Department.

The figures said 100 of 1,730 people in the labor force, 5.8 percent, were out of work in December. In November, 110 of 1,750 in the labor force, 6.3 percent, were out of work. In December, 2005, 110 of 1,670 in the labor force, 6.5 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, unemployment remained level at 5 percent from November to December. In December, 2005, the rate was 5.2 percent.

Cowlitz County's rate fell from 6.5 percent in November to 6.2 percent in December. In December, 2005, the rate was 6.3 percent.

Pacific County's rate rose from 6.5 percent in November to 6.8 percent in December. In December, 2005, the rate was 6.9 percent.

In counties and small labor market areas, Pullman and Whitman County had the state's lowest rate, 3.5 percent, in December, and Adams County had the highest, 10.5 percent.

In metropolitan areas, Seattle and King County had the lowest, 4.1 percent, and Yakima had the highest, 9 percent.