County unemployment numbers for June 2023 released

OLYMPIA - The BLS estimates Washington’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June 2023 is 3.8 percent. The revised estimated May 2023 unemployment rate is 4.1 percent. According to BLS estimates, the number of unemployed people fell by 10,500 in June 2023 compared to May 2023. At the same time, the number of employed people rose by an estimated 13,400. Overall, this amounted to an increase of 2,900 people in the labor force. The preliminary June 2023 unemployment rate is 0.1 percentage points lower than the June 2022 rate of 3.9 percent. June 2023 preliminary unemployment rates: U.S. (preliminary) 3.6%, Washington (preliminary) 3.8%, Chelan County (preliminary) 2.8%, Douglas County 3.1%, Okanogan County 3.5%.

Based on BLS estimates, Washington state nonfarm employment increased by 11,900 jobs from May 2023 to June 2023.

One-month employment change by industry

Based on a BLS survey of businesses and governments, Washington gained an estimated 11,900 jobs during the month, on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Overall, employment increased in seven major industries and decreased in six in June.

Private sector employment is estimated to have increased by 8,800 and government employment increased by 3,100.

Leisure and hospitality employment increased by 8,900 overall, with 5,200 jobs added in food services and drinking places.

The number of jobs in education and health services increased by 4,600 overall, with 3,100 jobs gained in social assistance.

Professional and business services employment increased by 500 overall, with 800 jobs gained in professional, scientific and technical services.

Manufacturing employment fell by 2,500, led by 1,700 jobs lost in food manufacturing.

Retail trade employment decreased by 2,800 overall, with 900 jobs lost by food and beverage stores.