The unemployment rate in Lewis County dropped to 5.2% in June, according to data released by the Washington Employment Security Department on Tuesday.
The figure is slightly lower than the 5.6% rate Lewis County saw in May, and comes after the county reported a 5.6% rate in April, a 6.7% rate in March and a 7.8% rate in February.
Though the Washington economy grew by 7,900 jobs in June, the rate statewide remained unchanged at 4.9%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate nationwide remained at 4.1% in June, though nonfarm unemployment grew by 206,000 jobs.
According to the Department of Labor, the largest job gains nationwide occurred in government, health care, social assistance and construction.
In Washington, the sectors that reported the highest job growth between May and June were construction, service producing jobs and specialty trade contractors.
Between June 2023 and June 2024, employment in Washington increased by 43,600 jobs, which includes 29,400 jobs in the private sector and 14,200 jobs in the public sector.
Across Southwest Washington, Thurston County reported a 4.1% unemployment rate, Skamania County saw a rate of 4.5%, Pierce County reported a 4.8% rate, Cowlitz County saw a 5.1% rate, Grays Harbor County is at 5.8%, Pacific County is at 5.4% and Wahkiakum County is at 6.6%.
