South Sound unemployment rates fall in March

South Sound unemployment rates fell in March, according to state Employment Security Department data released on Tuesday.

Pierce County’s jobless rate fell to 6.4 percent from 6.6 percent in February, while Thurston’s rate fell to 6.1 percent from 6.3 percent over the same period.

Although both counties showed modest improvement, South Sound jobless rates have been in the 6 percent range the past year. A year ago Pierce County’s unemployment rate was 6.5 percent, while in Thurston County it was 6.1 percent, the data show.

Seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment in March was 5.8 percent.

The following are regional jobless rates for March, not seasonally adjusted:

▪ King County: 4.7 percent.

▪ Kitsap County: 5.7 percent.

▪ Thurston County: 6.1 percent.

▪ Pierce County: 6.4 percent.

▪ Mason County: 8.2 percent.

▪ Lewis County: 8.5 percent.

▪ Grays Harbor County: 9.2 percent.

Source: Employment Security Department

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 3:32 PM with the headline "South Sound unemployment rates fall in March."