County's unemployment rate has slight decline

The rate of unemployment in Wahkiakum County has declined slightly over the past year, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 190 of 1,540 people in the labor force, 12.1 percent, were unemployed in March. In February, 200 of 1,560 in the labor force, 12.9 percent, were unemployed.

The county's unemployment rate was sixth highest in the state in March.

In March 2012, 190 of 1,480 in the labor force, 13 percent, were unemployed.

Statewide, unemployment dropped from 8.2 percent in February to 7.5 percent in March. In March, 2012, the rate was 8.9 percent. Employment statewide was 3.18 million in March, 2012, and 3.23 million in March, 2013.

Cowlitz County's unemployment fell from 12 percent in February to 11.1 percent in March. In March, 2012, the rate was 11.9 percent.

Pacific County's unemployment rate fell from 12.5 percent in February to 11.5 percent in March. In March, 2012, the rate was 13.4 percent.

Outside of major metropolitan areas, Whitman County had the state's lowest unemployment rate, 6.5 percent, and Ferry County had the highest, 14.2 percent.

In metropolitan areas, Seattle had the lowest, 5.1 percent, and Pasco had the highest, 10.9 percent.