Spokane County’s unemployment rate dropped to 9.3% in August

Spokane County’s nonseasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 9.3% in August, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.

The county posted a decline of 1,200 nonfarm jobs and 1,500 private sector jobs in August, compared with July, the department reported Tuesday.

The education and health services sector had the greatest number of job losses in August, shedding 1,800 positions. The service providing sector lost 1,300 jobs last month, which included 400 retail trade positions. 

The professional and businesses services sector gained 600 jobs, and the government sector added 300 positions in August. The leisure and hospitality sector gained 100 jobs. 

Financial activities, information, other services, and food services and drinking places were sectors in which employment held steady in August, compared with July. 

The county’s unemployment rate was 11.3% in July and 5% in August 2019.