Whatcom County sees unemployment rate increase this summer

Whatcom County's unemployment rate climbed to 4. 6% in August, a slight increase from 4. 5% in July, yet an improvement from 4. 8% a year earlier. Skagit County mirrored this trend, reporting a minor uptick from July to August while showing a decrease compared to August 2024.

The state Employment Security Department provided this data, highlighting regional job market fluctuations. Despite these increases, Washington state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged, indicating broader economic stability. Local officials emphasize the importance of job growth initiatives to combat rising unemployment. The slight increases in joblessness may prompt discussions on workforce development strategies in the region. As the economy adjusts, stakeholders are encouraged to focus on creating new employment opportunities.

This data sheds light on ongoing economic conditions in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.