Jobless Rate Drops To 5.6% Washington Enjoys Lowest Rate For March In Nearly 30 Years

Washington’s unemployment rate fell more than half a percentage point in March to 5.6 percent - the lowest rate for that month since the “Boeing Boom” in 1968 and almost two percentage points below a year ago, according to Employment Security Commissioner Carver Gayton.

“The rate reflects a very strong economy generating jobs at a significantly higher pace than a year ago and substantially above the national average,” Gayton said. “Seasonal upturns in construction, services, and trade set much of the tone in March with continued rapid expansion in aircraft and parts.”

The March unemployment rate in Spokane also declined, dropping to 5.7 percent from February’s revised figure of 6.4 percent. The Spokane rate is more than a full percentage point below the 6.9 percent rate of March 1996.

The year-over-year decline reflects growth of the Spokane economy.

In March, 189,500 of Spokane’s eligible work force of 200,900 people were employed, while 11,400 were without jobs.

Statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment dipped to 4.9 percent, breaking the 5.0 percent barrier for the first time in almost seven years.

Washington’s rate was three-tenths of a percentage point below the comparable national average of 5.2 percent.

Total nonfarm wage and salary employment jumped by 23,000 over the month. Manufacturing payrolls increased by 2,700 workers led by a 1,300-worker uptick in transportation equipment production. “Aircraft and parts added another 900 workers bringing the first-quarter increase to 3,100,” said Dennis Fusco, chief economist for the department. “Cumulative gains since the turnabout began 15 months ago now total 19,000.”

Construction increased by 4,000 as warmer weather set in. Wholesale and retail trade climbed by 3,400 with sizable seasonal increases. Services employment jumped by 9,100 with strong gains in business services (+2,600) - specifically temporary help services (+1,800) - and amusement and recreation (+1,000).

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map: County-by-county monthly unemployment rates