Unemployment rate down, but still high

Unemployment in Wahkiakum County dropped from 12.3 percent in February to 11.9 percent in March, according to the latest statistics from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 180 of 1,510 people in the labor force were out of work in March, 11.9 percent, compared to 190 of 1,550 in December, 12.3 percent, and 230 of 1,560 in March, 2011, 14.6 percent.

Wahkiakum's rate was ninth highest in the state. Cowlitz County was eighth at 12 percent, up from 11.9 percent in February and down from 12.8 percent in March, 2011.

Pacific County's rate was 13.6 percent in March, fourth highest in the state. In February, the rate was 12.7 percent, and in March, 2011, the rate was 14.2 percent.

Statewide, unemployment dropped from 9.2 percent in February to 8.8 percent in March. In March, 2011, the rate was 9.9 percent.

In March, 2011, there were 3.48 million people in the state's labor force; in March, 2012, there were 3.5 million.

Whitman County had the state's lowest rate, 6.9 percent, and Ferry County had the highest, 15 percent. In metropolitan areas, Seattle was lowest at 7.1 percent, and Pasco was highest at 10.7 percent.