Job growth continues to look strong in Clark County thanks to an influx in jobs and — though it might appear to be a bad sign — a slightly higher unemployment rate.
According to the state Employment Security Department’s monthly report, Clark County in July added 800 jobs, seasonally adjusted. All major sectors added jobs.
The unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, up from 6.5 percent for June and 6.5 percent in July 2015.
“The unemployment rate can go up, and that’s a good thing,” Scott Bailey, regional economist at the state Employment Security Department.
“After the Great Recession, we’ve had a lot of people drop out of the job market. More are joining back in now, and the unemployment rate is going up because so many people are looking for work,” Bailey said. “A lot of them should be able to find work within the next few months.”
Job growth over the year stood at 6,400 jobs, or 4.3 percent.
“It’s pretty much a continuation of what’s been happening for a couple of years now of really strong job growth,” Bailey said. “(It’s) faster than the state, faster than the nation, faster than Portland.”
The professional and business services sector of the economy saw the greatest growth for both the month and the year, adding 500 jobs over June and 1,500 jobs over July 2015. Construction, mining and logging; and trade, transportation and utilities, which includes retail, each added 1,200 jobs since July 2015.
Bailey said things are looking good in the short term, with more people getting jobs and wages going up, which could lead to an increased demand for housing. That could also lead to more jobs, especially in retail. Bailey said big projects such as the Vancouver Waterfront and the Ilani Casino Resort should also provide a boost to jobs in Clark County, he said.
