The Bellingham Business Journal

The unemployment rate in Whatcom County dropped in October from 7.8 percent to 7.2 percent while the total number of nonfarm jobs grew by 2,000 to 79,100. Total employment is still down 1,500 jobs compared to the same time last year, though.

Overall, Washington’s economy tallied its fifth consecutive month of private-sector job gains in October, while the unemployment remained at 9.1 percent. The September rate was revised from an estimated 9 percent to 9.1 percent.

Despite private sector gains, government accounted for a large part of the increase in total employment. Statewide, the private sector picked up 1,900 jobs last month and the public sector added 4,000 jobs, nearly all in higher education and K-12 schools. State government, not counting higher education, shed about 100 jobs.

Year over year, Washington had 8,500 fewer jobs last month than in October 2009, a 0.3 percent decrease.

Click here to view the most recent employment report from the Employment Security Department.