Originally published October 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 16, 2007 at 3:31 PM
State's jobless rate edges up in September
Washington state's jobless rate ticked up last month, but unemployment remained close to its historic lows and well within the range seen...
Seattle Times business reporter
Washington state's jobless rate ticked up last month, but unemployment remained close to its historic lows and well within the range seen since the beginning of this year.
The statewide unemployment rate, adjusted for seasonal variations in the labor force, was 4.8 percent in September, up from 4.6 percent recorded in August, according to the state Employment Security Department. The Seattle metro area's seasonally adjusted jobless rate held steady at 3.8 percent.
Since February, the state jobless rate has bounced between 4.4 percent and 4.9 percent. The 4.4 percent reported in April was the state's lowest unemployment rate since the current series of statistics began more than 30 years ago.
However, state labor economist Evelina Tainer noted that both the number of people who reported entering the workforce last month and who said they found jobs "were outsized relative to the past few years," and said the figures should be viewed with caution.
The unemployment rate is determined by a monthly survey that asks if people have jobs, or if not whether they're actively looking for work. It is not, as is sometimes thought, based on how many people collect state unemployment benefits.
Without seasonal adjustments, King County posted a 3.9 percent unemployment rate for September; Snohomish and Kitsap counties both were at 4.2 percent, while Pierce County landed at 4.6 percent.
Statewide, San Juan County had the lowest unadjusted rate at 3.1 percent; Cowlitz, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties were tied for the highest unadjusted rate, 6.2 percent.
Nationally, unemployment rose slightly last month, to 4.7 percent compared with 4.6 percent in August. On Monday, Oregon reported September unemployment at 5.3 percent, compared with 5.4 percent in August.
Typically, Washington state's unemployment report is accompanied by a report on nonfarm payroll jobs, which offers greater insight into the dynamics of the state and local economies. But that report has been delayed a week for some statistical fine-tuning.
Drew DeSilver: 206-464-3145 or ddesilver@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
Credit-card holders to pay the price for banks' struggles
Kraft's offer for sweets giant Cadbury turns bitter after rejection
Fewer fliers expected over holidays
Big bonuses coming at 3 big banks

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
253 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
247 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
173 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
143 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
119 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
101 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
70 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect





