Washington’s unemployment rate rose for the fourth consecutive month in February
Washington’s unemployment rate marked an increase for the fourth month in a row in February, the Washington State Employment Security Department said Wednesday. The data indicates 5.1% of Washington residents were unemployed that month, compared to 4.4% nationally.
The most recent data on Whatcom County showed a similar trend, with unemployment rising from 4.6% to 5.2% between November and December.
The numbers come amid a changing job landscape in Washington, with the Employment Security Department reporting the expansion of some sectors and the shrinking of others. Private sector employment increased by 20,900 jobs from February 2025 to February 2026, while government employment decreased by 6,600 jobs.
In February 2026, the most job gains were reported in professional and business services, followed by manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, construction and retail trade. Private education and health services saw the greatest losses.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Washington’s unemployment rate rose for the fourth consecutive month in February."