Unemployment rate drops in March

Wahkiakum County's rate of unemployment fell from February to March, according to the latest figures from the state Employment Security Department.

The figures said 120 of 1,460 people in the labor market, 9.6 percent, were out of work in March. In February, 140 of 1,460, 9.6 percent, were out of work. In March, 2014, 150 of 1,400 in the labor market, 10.9 percent, were out of work.

Statewide, unemployment fell from 6.8 percent in February to 5.7 percent in March. In March, 2014, the rate was 6.8 percent.

Pacific County's rate fell from 11 percent in February to 9.4 percent in March. In March, 2014, the rate was 11.6 percent.

Cowlitz County's rate fell from 9.1 percent in February to 7.7 percent in March. In March, 2014, the rate was 9 percent.

Whitman County had the state's lowest rate, 4.7 percent, and Ferry County had the highest, 11.4 percent.

In metropolitan areas, Yakima had the highest, 9 percent, and Seattle had the lowest, 4.1 percent.