Unemployment rate dips for Wahkiakum

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment declined slightly from July to August because of an increase in the number of jobs, according to the latest report from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 180 of 1,500 people in the labor force were out of work in August, 11.8 percent. In July, 180 of 1,480 people in the labor force were out of work, 12.4 percent. In August, 2010, 210 of 1,610 in the labor force, 12.8 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, unemployment dipped from 9 percent in July to 8.9 percent in August. In August, 2010, the rate was 9.3 percent.

Cowlitz County's rate rose from 11.4 percent in July to 11.7 percent in August. In August, 2010, the rate was 12.5 percent.

Pacific County's rate remained steady at 11.9 percent in July and August. In August, 2010, the rate was 11.6 percent.

Wahkiakum's August rate, 11.8 percent, was fourth highest in the state. Ferry County had the highest, 13.5 percent. Lewis and Grays Harbor counties each came in at 13.1 percent, and Pend Oreille followed at 11.9 percent. Cowlitz ranked fifth, and Pacific was eighth.

San Juan County had the state's lowest unemployment rate, 5.7 percent.

In metropolitan areas, Everett had the highest rate, 9.1 percent, and Wenatchee was lowest at 7.3 percent.