Unemployment rate unchanged in February

Whatcom County’s unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in February 2015. That’s the same as the revised rate for January 2015, according to the latest data from the state Employment Security Department.

Before January, the unemployment rate in Whatcom County was below 7 percent for more than six months.The county added 4,100 jobs between February 2014 and February 2015.

Most industries in Whatcom County grew between February 2014 and February 2015, with state government and mining, logging and construction growing by the largest percentage. Only the leisure and hospitality industry has fewer jobs this February than last.

The statewide unemployment rate for February was 8.8 percent. King County, at 4.9 percent, had the lowest unemployment rate in the state, and Ferry County had the highest at 14 percent. Skagit County’s unemployment rate was 8.3 percent.

 

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