The unemployment rate in Lewis County, Washington, dropped to 5.6% in April, down from 6.7% in March [1027c8ac]. This decrease in unemployment comes as the Washington economy added 5,900 jobs in April, with job gains reported in sectors such as health care, social assistance, transportation, and warehousing. However, the statewide unemployment rate in Washington remained steady at 4.8% [1027c8ac]. Nationally, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.9%, with the addition of 175,000 nonfarm jobs [1027c8ac].
In Southwest Washington, other counties also experienced changes in their unemployment rates. Thurston County had an unemployment rate of 4.4%, Skamania County at 5.0%, Pierce County at 5.1%, Cowlitz County at 5.2%, Grays Harbor County at 6.5%, Pacific County at 6.0%, and Wahkiakum County at 7.4% [1027c8ac].
The job market in Lewis County and Washington as a whole continues to show signs of growth and resilience, with job gains in various sectors. The addition of jobs in health care, social assistance, transportation, and warehousing reflects the ongoing demand for essential services. The stability of the unemployment rate in Washington suggests a sustained recovery in the labor market [1027c8ac].
Meanwhile, Yakima County in Washington is facing economic challenges. The jobless rate in Yakima County rose from 4.7% in May 2023 to 6.0% in May 2024 [9213d818]. Nonfarm employment in the county increased by 500 jobs between May 2023 and May 2024. However, several sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail trade, transportation and utilities, food service, and local government have experienced losses since May 2023 [9213d818]. Agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of the Yakima County economy, has seen fewer jobs due to increased automation and reliance on foreign H2-A workers, although the payroll has increased. Wages in agriculture have been rising at a rate of approximately 5% per year from 2012 to 2022. The area's major crops, such as wine grapes, cherries, apples, and hops, have had relatively poor years [9213d818]. Despite these challenges, it is important to note that the current economic situation in Yakima County is not as dire as in the past, and it is too early to start worrying [9213d818].