The unemployment rate in Lewis County fell by more than a percentage point in April to 5.6%, according to data released by the Washington Employment Security Department on Tuesday.
The improvement comes after the county reported a 6.7% rate in March, a 7.8% rate in February and a 7.1% rate in January. While the Washington economy grew by 5,900 jobs in April, the rate statewide remained steady at 4.8%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the economy nationwide remained at 3.9%, though nonfarm unemployment grew by 175,000 jobs.
According to the Department of Labor, the largest job gains nationwide occurred in health care, social assistance, and transportation and warehousing. In Washington, the sectors that reported the highest job growth between March and April were construction, trade, and leisure and hospitality.
Between April 2023 and April 2024, employment in Washington increased by 50,600, which includes 31,900 jobs in the private sector and 18,700 jobs in the public sector.
Across Southwest Washington, Thurston County reported a 4.4% unemployment rate, Skamania County saw a rate of 5.0%, Pierce County reported a 5.1% rate, Cowlitz County saw a 5.2% rate, Grays Harbor County is at 6.5%, Pacific County is at 6.0% and Wahkiakum County is at 7.4%.
