OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) has released unemployment rates and employment data for October 2023.
Preliminary seasonally adjusted estimates from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show nonfarm employment in the state rose by 7,900 in October. The private sector gained 4,800 jobs, while the public sector gained 3,100 jobs.
The statewide unemployment rate for October was 3.8 percent, compared to a national rate of 3.9 percent. The statewide rate is 0.8 percent lower than in October 2022.
Unemployment rates by county were as follows:
Benton: 4.0 percentFranklin: 4.5 percentKittitas: 4.5 percentWalla Walla: 3.6 percentYakima: 4.5 percent
The full ESD report can be viewed online.
