Unemployment falls from April to May

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment dipped from 11 percent in April to 10.6 percent in May, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 160 of 1,470 people in the work force, 10.6 percent, were out of work in May. In April, 170 of 1,501in the work force, 12.3 percent, were out of work. In April, 2012, 180 of 1,480 people, 12 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, the unemployment rate rose from 6.5 percent in April to 6.6 percent in May. In May, 2012, the rate was 8.3 percent.

Whitman County had the state's lowest rate, 6.1 percent, and Grays Harbor had the highest, 12.2 percent. In metropolitan areas, Seattle had the lowest rate, 4.3 percent, and Yakima had the highest, 9.8 percent.

Wahkiakum's 10.6 percent rate was the third highest in the state; Lewis County was second high with 11.1 percent unemployment.

Cowlitz County's rate rose from 9.8 percent in April to 10.2 percent in May. InMay, 2012, the rate was 11 percent.

Pacific County's rate fell from 10.6 percent in April to 10.4 percent in May. In May, 2012, the rate was 11.5 percent.