Washington Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 0.0 percentage points in July 2019 to 4.6%. The state unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in December 2009 at 10.4% and is now 5.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.4% in June 2018, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	July 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.7%	0.0	-0.2
Washington	4.6%	0.0	+0.2

Note: All comparisons are made with July data as August state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Washington, National

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Washington Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Washington peaked in January 2010 at 367,424. There are now 187,933 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 167,340 in July 2018, the number of unemployed has now grown by 12,151. Washington job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	July 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
Washington	179,491	+111	+12,151

Number of Unemployed Persons

Washington Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	Washington Unemployment Rate	Washington Unemployed
August 2019	3.7%	—	—
July 2019	3.7%	4.6%	179,491
June 2019	3.7%	4.6%	179,380
May 2019	3.6%	4.6%	180,210
April 2019	3.6%	4.7%	180,835
March 2019	3.8%	4.6%	178,819
February 2019	3.8%	4.5%	174,508
January 2019	4.0%	4.5%	172,206
December 2018	3.9%	4.5%	170,401
November 2018	3.7%	4.5%	170,286
October 2018	3.8%	4.4%	169,597
September 2018	3.7%	4.4%	168,459