Whatcom County, Bellingham unemployment rates rose in November; statewide rate dips slightly
Monthly unemployment rates for Whatcom County and Bellingham increased in November, while Washington had the seventh-highest unemployment rate in the United States.
Whatcom County unemployment
Whatcom County had a 4.6% unemployment rate in November, with 5,076 unemployed people in the county, an increase of 206 unemployed people compared to October.
In October, Whatcom County’s unemployment rate was 4.3% with 4,870 residents receiving unemployment benefits, an increase compared to September.
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate slightly decreased compared to last year, as the Novembers 2023 unemployment rate was also 4.6% with 5,289 people unemployed.
Bellingham’s unemployment rate
The city of Bellingham’s unemployment rate increased month to month. The city’s unemployment rate was 4.6% in November with 2,149 people unemployed, an increase from October’s 4.3% unemployment rate with 2,071 people unemployed.
Washington state
Washington’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from October to November, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department’s November 2024 monthly employment report.
In November, Washington’s unemployment rate was 4.6% with 185,430 people in the state unemployed. In October, the unemployment rate was 4.7%, with 2,304 more people unemployed than in November, according to the report.
Washington had the seventh-highest unemployment rate in November, following Nevada, California, Illinois, Kentucky, South Carolina and Michigan, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Washington’s unemployment rate in November 2023 was 4%, with 161,573 people in the state unemployed, 23,857 fewer than November 2024.
All data comes from the Washington State Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
