Spokane County’s 4.5 percent unemployment rate in October ties monthly low

Spokane County’s October unemployment rate of 4.5 percent tied a 20-year low for the month.

The October unemployment rate hasn’t been that low since 1998, said Doug Tweedy, a regional labor economist with the state Employment Security Department.

The rate climbed slightly from September’s 4.4 percent, which also tied a 20-year record for low monthly unemployment.

The Spokane-area economy is on track to create about 5,000 new jobs this year, Tweedy said. It marks the fourth consecutive year of job growth in the 3,000-5,000 range.

October is a seasonal month for jobs. Construction employment is winding down as the weather changes and holiday-related hiring is ramping up. Retailers, restaurants and hotels added jobs during the month.