Unemployment rates vary across Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties

Recent data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sheds light on the employment landscape across Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties. The report delves into November 2023 employment figures and reflects varying trends within these regions.

 Unemployment Rates:

• Chelan County: The civilian labor force totaled 42,794 individuals, with 1,827 individuals unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 4.3%.

• Douglas County: With a civilian labor force of 21,032, 967 individuals were unemployed, accounting for a 4.6% unemployment rate.

• Okanogan County: The county had a labor force of 18,859, out of which 1,052 individuals were unemployed, indicating a 5.6% unemployment rate.

Statewide Overview:

The statewide analysis for Washington State presents a preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.0% for November 2023, a slight increase from the revised estimate of 3.8% in October 2023. The statistics illustrate an increase in the number of unemployed residents by 8,401 individuals compared to the previous month. Moreover, the number of employed residents decreased by an estimated 6,512 individuals, marking a net increase of 1,889 workers in the labor force.

Industry-Level Changes:

The employment scenario in Washington State saw a decrease of 2,600 jobs from October 2023 to November 2023. The private sector reported a loss of 3,600 jobs, while the public sector gained 1,000 jobs during this period.

Manufacturing exhibited growth, adding 1,400 jobs, primarily driven by hiring in the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry.

The professional and business services sector saw a decline of 2,600 jobs, particularly within administrative and support services.

Yearly Employment Changes:

Comparing November 2022 to November 2023, Washington State experienced an increase of 40,700 jobs. Both private and public sectors contributed to this growth, with education and health services leading the rise by 19,000 jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality with an increase of 10,300 jobs.

Conclusion:

The BLS data highlights the nuanced employment landscape in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties, echoing broader trends across Washington State. As the state grapples with economic changes, industries like manufacturing show resilience, while certain sectors face challenges amid shifting employment patterns.

*Note: All data presented is based on the latest available information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Employment Security Department.