Unemployment rate drops in Wahkiakum

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment dropped from 13.7 percent in June to 11.8 percent in July, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 200 of 1,660 people in the labor force were out of work in July, compared to 240 of 1,730 in June. In July, 2008, 120 of 1,790 in the labor force, 6.8 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, the unemployment rate dropped from 9.2 percent in June to 8.8 percent in July. In July, 2008, the rate was 5.1 percent.

Pacific County's rate dropped from 12.8 percent in June to 10.8 percent in July. In July, 2008, the rate was 6.9 percent.

Cowlitz County's rate dipped from 13.2 percent in June to 12.9 percent in July. In July, 2008, the rate was 8 percent.

Clark County and Vancouver had the state's highest unemployment rate, 13.7 percent, and San Juan County had the lowest, 4.5 percent. In metropolitan areas, Wenatchee was lowest at 5.9 percent.