San Juan County, at 5.1 percent, has the lowest unemployment rate in the state for October, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wahkiakum County has the highest unemployment rate of 11.7 percent.

County unemployment rates are published each month from BLS.

Employment background

According to the Employment Security Department, San Juan County’s preliminary civilian labor force, as of July 2012 was 2.7 percent lower than the July 2011 levels. Over the year, the number of employed decreased by 180 persons while the number of unemployed decreased by 50 persons. This resulted in the unemployment rate falling by 11.3 percent over the year.

from July 2011 to July 2012, the overall total non-farm positions dropped by approximately 200 jobs or down 3.2 percent. The private sector saw the bulk of these losses and in contrast to most other Washington state counties, government positions were up slightly by about ten positions.

Trade, transportation and utilities recorded a large decrease of 80 positions or 7.8 percent of total jobs from July 2011 to July 2012.