Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane County’s unemployment rate drops to 4.9% in September

Spokane County’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9% in September over the prior month, driven by a gain in education jobs now that area schools are back in session.

The county’s service-providing sector added 2,500 jobs in September, which includes increases in education and health services jobs, according to nonseasonally adjusted data from the Washington State Employment Security Department.

The county added 1,400 nonfarm positions in September and the private sector gained 100 jobs, according to the employment department.

The construction sector lost 1,100 jobs, while leisure and hospitality shed 400 jobs in September, but its expected those numbers will rebound over the next year with completion of major construction projects and addition of seasonal retail jobs for the holiday season, said Doug Tweedy, regional economist for the state employment department.

Spokane County’s unemployment rate in August was 5.6% and 4.4% in September 2018.

Spokane County’s labor force increased by more than 700 workers in September, according to the department.

“We are seeing increases in employment and people looking for work. I think that has to do with Spokane being a regional job hub,” Tweedy said.