Washington Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 0.1 percentage points in May 2018 to 4.7%. 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 5.7 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.7% in September 2017, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	May 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.8%	-0.1	-0.5
Washington	4.7%	-0.1	-0.1

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 189,293 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 176,125 in April 2017, the number of unemployed has now grown by 2,006. Washington job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	May 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
Washington	178,131	-581	+1,608

Number of Unemployed Persons

Washington Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	Washington Unemployment Rate	Washington Unemployed
May 2018	3.8%	4.7%	178,131
April 2018	3.9%	4.8%	178,712
March 2018	4.1%	4.7%	178,449
February 2018	4.1%	4.7%	178,064
January 2018	4.1%	4.7%	177,272
December 2017	4.1%	4.7%	176,864
November 2017	4.1%	4.7%	176,900
October 2017	4.1%	4.7%	177,116
September 2017	4.2%	4.7%	177,609
August 2017	4.4%	4.8%	177,891
July 2017	4.3%	4.8%	177,611
June 2017	4.3%	4.8%	177,053