Job Growth Continues Upward Trend in Spokane County
Spokane County’s unemployment rate fell a full percentage point between March and April, 2017 after nearly 1,100 jobs were added in the region, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. The current rate of 5.2% is also a percentage point below the year-previous month, thanks to almost 5,000 jobs that have been added in the past year-to-date. At 5.2%, the rate is the lowest it’s been prior to the Great Recession.
Though roughly one percent higher than the state-wide average of 4.3%, Spokane County’s unemployment rate has fallen month-over-month since the beginning of the year. Spokane’s attractive job market for younger professionals has helped increase the labor force, which has in turn driven down unemployment. Coupled with a low cost of living and growing industries like advanced manufacturing and healthcare, Spokane County presents a great opportunity for business expansion and relocation.