Grays Harbor unemployment rate drops but remains highest in state

Grays Harbor, WA – Grays Harbor’s unemployment rate fell by nearly seven percent, but it remains the highest in the state.

According to the Washington State Employment Security Department’s non-seasonally adjusted numbers, Grays Harbor’s unemployment rate fell from 19.1% in May to 12.4% in June which was tied with Ferry County for the highest in the state.

Pacific County’s rate fell from 17.1% to 12.2% which was the third highest in the state.

Grays Harbor’s total number of those on unemployment dropped by over 2,400, but the labor force also fell by over 2,500. 

The total number of those employed also dropped by 98 from May to June. 

In Pacific County, the total number of those on unemployment fell by over 500, but the labor force also dropped by over 600.

Those employed also fell by 121.

Grays Harbor	May 2020	June 2020*	June 2019
Labor Force	31,758	29,221	29,054
Total Employment	25,685	25,587	27,060
Total Unemployment	6,073	3,634	1,994
Unemployment Rate	19.1%	12.4%	6.9%

*Latest month non-seasonally adjusted

Pacific County	May 2020	June 2020*	June 2019
Labor Force	9,139	8,494	8,644
Total Employment	7,575	7,454	8,062
Total Unemployment	1,564	1,040	582
Unemployment Rate	17.1%	12.2%	6.7%

*Latest month non-seasonally adjusted