Thurston unemployment rate falls to 9 percent as some jobs return
Thurston County unemployment fell to 9 percent in June, offering a little hope to the local economy after coronavirus-related restrictions had caused the jobless rate to rise into the double digits.
The jobless rate in May was 14.2 percent, state Employment Security Department regional economist Jim Vleming said Tuesday.
In addition to Thurston County, unemployment rates also fell in Pierce, Whatcom and the Tri-Cities area as each region added jobs over the month, Vleming said.
Despite the gains, Vleming warned that there are still questions about the economy going forward. The governor has slowed the reopening of the economy because of a spike in COVID-19 cases and impacts to school budgets are still an unknown, he said. The Washington State Fair, a local boost to the Pierce County economy, also has been canceled.
“It’s a pretty foggy crystal ball,” Vleming said.
Here’s how the region fared in June
Thurston County: The county added 2,600 jobs over the month, showing the largest gain in trade, transportation and warehousing, which added 700 jobs — Vleming said parcel delivery services and Amazon are hiring — followed by leisure and hospitality with 500 jobs. Leisure and hospitality is an industry sector that reflects hiring for restaurants and hotels.
Pierce County: The jobless rate tumbled to 11.5 percent in June after it was 16.9 percent in May. The county added 14,200 jobs over the month, including 4,700 in leisure and hospitality.
Whatcom County: The unemployment rate fell to 10.5 percent from 15.6 percent over the same period. Whatcom added 2,300 jobs over the month, including 1,200 in trade, transportation and warehousing.
Tri-Cities: The jobless rate fell to 9.1 percent from 12.3 percent. The area added 3,400 jobs over the month, including 1,500 in leisure and hospitality.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 12:00 AM.
