Clark County’s jobless rate continues its months-long pattern of hovering in the 12 percent to 13 percent range, holding steady at 13.1 percent in December as private-sector industries saw losses and as holiday hiring ended in disappointment, the Employment Security Department reported Wednesday.
Construction lost 300 jobs, while manufacturing saw no change compared to November. Government, and primary and secondary schools added 300 jobs.
The county’s jobless rate was 12.9 percent in November — though it was earlier reported at 13.1 percent before the state revised its figures. It was 13.7 percent in December 2009.
Total employment of 126,200 in December was down 1,200 jobs from the same period a year ago. The county has lost 9,700 jobs since the economic recession began. Its jobless rate is tied with Grays Harbor County’s as the fourth-highest in Washington state. By comparison, Cowlitz County’s jobless rate was 11.9 percent in December. In Skamania County, it was 13 percent. Wahkiakum County posted an unemployment rate of 13.8 percent. King County, home to Seattle, reported a jobless rate of 8.4 percent. Ferry County had the state’s highest unemployment rate in December: 13.9 percent.
