WA economy continues to improve, but Adams and Grant Co. sees an increase in jobless rate

OLYMPIA — The recently released Employment Security Department seasonably adjusted unemployment rate shows it held at 4.5 percent in in November, but Adams and Grant County saw the rate rise above the state average.

The unemployment rate in Adams County rose from 3.7 percent to 5.3 percent in November as the labor force dropped from 9,285 to 8.761 people. The Grant County unemployment rate rose from 4.3 to 5.3 percent as 2,368 people were out of a job.

Still state economist Paul Turek says unemployment statewide is at an all time low.

“While the unemployment rate didn’t change, Washington’s economic outlook is bright,” Turek said. “Unemployment stands at a record low, businesses are adding jobs and more people are joining the labor force. That’s great news for everyone as we head into the holidays.”

According to the report, the statewide unemployment rate last November was 5.2 percent.

The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent and 3.8 percent in the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area. Employment Security paid unemployment insurance benefits to 54,386 people in November.