County's unemployment remains unchanged

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment remained the same from May to June, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 160 of 1,400 people in the labor force, 11.6 percent, were out of work in June, and in May, 160 of 1,400 people were out of work.

In June, 2012, 170 of 1,480 in the labor force, 11.6 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, unemployment rose from 6.6 percent in May to 7 percent in June. In June, 2012, the rate was 8.3 percent. Total employment actually increased from 3.25 million in May to 3.27 million in June, but the labor force increased from 3.48 million in May to 3.52 million in June.

Pacific County's rate increased from 10.7 percent in May to 10.8 percent in June; the rate was 10.9 percent in June, 2013.

Cowlitz County's rate increased from 10.2 percent in May to 10.6 percent in June. In June, 2012, the rate was 10.9 percent.

In rural counties, San Juan had the lowest at 5.7 percent, and Grays Harbor had the highest at 12.1 percent. In metropolitan counties, Seattle had the lowest, 5.2 percent, and Yakima had the highest, 8.7 percent.