Washington’s unemployment rate remains fifth-highest in nation; local rates rose in October
Monthly unemployment rates for Whatcom County and Bellingham increased in October, while Washington had the fifth-highest unemployment rates in the United States.
Whatcom County unemployment
Whatcom County had a 4.4% unemployment rate in October, with 4,897 unemployed people in the county, an increase of 399 unemployed people compared to September.
In September, Whatcom County’s unemployment rate was 4.1% with 4,498 residents receiving unemployment benefits, a decrease compared to August.
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate slightly decreased compared to last year, as October 2023’s unemployment rate was 4.1%.
Bellingham’s unemployment rate
The city of Bellingham’s unemployment rate increased month to month. The city’s unemployment rate was 4.4% in October with 2,082 people unemployed, a slight increase from September’s 4.1% unemployment rate with 1,933 people unemployed.
Washington state
Washington’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from September to October, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department’s October 2024 monthly employment report.
In October, Washington’s unemployment rate was 4.7% with 187,951 people in the state unemployed. In September, the unemployment rate was 4.8%, with 2,199 more people unemployed than in October, according to the report.
Washington had the fifth-highest unemployment rate in October, following Kentucky, California, Illinois and Nevada, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Washington’s unemployment rate in October 2023 was 3.8%, with 153,315 people in the state unemployed, 34,636 fewer than this October.
All data comes from the Washington State Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
