State officials are seeing an influx of fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits as they continue deal with record numbers of claims from people forced out of work by shutdowns from the COVID-19 epidemic.

The number of workers filing for unemployment benefits in Washington rose to a new record for the second week in a row as most industries felt the effects of the shutdowns and restrictions ordered to stem the COVID-19 pandemic.

The average annual wage in Spokane County rose to $46,562 last year, influenced by local medical schools and an influx of highly paid workers.

The Spokane area’s labor market could meet the demand for employees at a massive warehouse planned near the airport. The area is a “job hub,” attracting workers from parts of 11 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

Unemployment rates for the Spokane metro area dropped to 5.1 percent in June, continuing the pace of strong job growth for the region.

More than 20,000 new jobs have been created in Spokane County since 2010. Most pay more than the average wage in the county, which is $21.17 per hour, or $44,035 per year.

Household income rose last year, the federal government says.