PORT ANGELES — Unemployment changed by one-tenth of a percentage point in Clallam and Jefferson counties last month despite the addition of 410 jobs, the state Employment Security Department announced Tuesday.
Clallam County’s unemployment rate went from a revised 9.0 percent in April to a preliminary 9.1 percent in May.
The county added 280 nonfarm jobs — 210 in the private sector and 70 in government — and saw its workforce grow from 28,050 to 28,180.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County joblessness went from a revised 8.8 percent in April to a preliminary 8.9 percent in May.
The county added 130 jobs — 110 in the private sector and 20 in government — and saw its labor force climb from 11,640 to 11,750.
“This time of year, we definitely have more people entering the labor force,” said Jim Vleming, regional economist with Employment Security.
The monthly estimates don’t count those who have quit looking for work.
Clallam County last month added 60 goods-producing jobs and gained 40 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities, according to the latest estimates.
Jefferson County added 130 service-providing jobs, which covers trade, transportation and utilities, and information and financial activities.
Higher 13 months ago
Unemployment was higher in both counties 13 months ago, at 10.0 percent in Clallam County and 9.5 percent in Jefferson County in May 2012.
“We’re definitely going in the right direction,” Vleming said.
“I expect unemployment to decline in the next few months.”
Meanwhile, the state’s unemployment rate fell from 7.0 to 6.8 percent in May on the strength of lower jobless numbers in the Seattle metropolitan area.
The Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area saw its unemployment drop from 5.1 percent to 4.7 percent last month, Employment Security reported.
King lowest
“They have large employers, and they have more jobs,” Vleming said.
King County had the lowest joblessness of the state’s 39 counties at 4.3 percent.
Grays Harbor County had the highest unemployment at 12.2 percent.
The national unemployment rate rose slightly from 7.5 percent in April to 7.6 percent in May.
