Spokane County’s unemployment rate at 4.9 percent in November

Spokane County’s unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in November, but officials expect that number to drop as preliminary estimates are firmed up.

“Employment has been underreported for the past several months,” said Doug Tweedy, a regional economist for the Washington Employment Security Department.

November’s hiring included growth in the leisure and hospitality industry from a seasonal increase in jobs at hotels, restaurants and bars. Retail employment also was up, but some of the increase was in “non-store” jobs from people ordering online, Tweedy said.

Spokane County’s low unemployment rate for November was a combination of new jobs being added and fewer workers being laid off, Tweedy said.

During the second half of 2018, more permanent jobs were created than seasonal positions, he said.

Spokane County’s unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in October and 4.9 percent in November 2017.