Clallam County’s 5.3 percent unemployment rate so far in 2004 is lower than at any time since the mid-1970s, says the executive director of the county Economic Development Council.
“I don’t show a yearly average unemployment rate this low since 1970,” said Jim Haguewood.
“There was not a yearly average less than 6 (percent) in 30 years, and in July, August and September it will be as low or lower,” he said.
Haguewood noted that Westport Shipyard hasn’t stopped hiring workers, Residential Media Associates, relocating from California, hasn’t started hiring, and Harbor Action Inc. of Aberdeen just announced it is relocating to the Port of Port Angeles’ multi-tenant building.
“My data show that with our current 5.3 percent unemployment rate, no yearly average in 30 years has been lower. Only in the summer of 1990 was it this low — that one period — and it was for only two months,” he said.
4.8 percent in 1990
During July and August of 1990, the county unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent.
Preliminary figures from the state Employment Security Department for May show Clallam County’s jobless rate was at 5.3 percent, nearly 2.5 percent lower than the same month last year.
“In spite of everything going on in the state, we are showing strong economic growth. It’s a reflection of the economic development successes we had in 2002 and early 2003,” Haguewood said.
“The other important thing is the increase in employment in May from 2003 to 2004.”
