County, state lose jobs in February

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment dipped slightly from January to February, according to the latest statistics from the sate Employment Security Department.

The decline came, however, with a drop in the number of people who were employed.

The figures showed a labor force of 1,570 people in February, with 230 out of work, 14.6 percent, and 1,340 employed.

In January, there were 1,600 in the labor force with 240 unemployed, 14.8 percent, and 1,370 employed.

In February, 2009, 260 of 1,650 in the labor force, 15.6 percent, were unemployed. That was the highest unemployment rate in the state.

Statewide, the economy dropped 8,300 jobs from January to February. The unemployment rate rose from 10.2 percent in January to 10.4 percent in February. In February, 2009, the rate was 9 percent.

Pacific County's unemployment rate increased from 14.2 percent in January to 14.5 percent in February. In February, 2009, the rate was 14.3 percent.

Cowlitz County's rate increased from 14.2 percent in January to 14.8 percent in February, highest in the state for metropolitan areas. In February, 2009, the rate was 13.4 percent.

Richland-Kennewick had the state's lowest unemployment rate for metropolitan areas, 8.3 percent.

In rural areas, Whitman County had the state's lowest unemployment rate, 6.8 percent, and Ferry County had the highest, 17.5 percent.