The Washington State economy added 96,900 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing an annual growth rate of 2.9%—still solidly above the national rate of 1.5%. The counties contained in this report added 1,616 new jobs over the past 12 months, which was a modest growth of 0.8%. The local unemployment rate for the area continued to fall, with a drop from 9% to 8%.

The Washington State economy added 96,900 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing an annual growth rate of 2.9%—still solidly above the national rate of 1.5%. Most of the employment gains were in the private sector, which rose by 3.4%. The public sector saw a more modest increase of 1.6%. Even with solid increases in jobs, the state unemployment rate held steady at 4.7%...

The State of Oregon has added 43,700 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing a robust annual growth rate of 2.3%. Job growth picked up in the first quarter of 2018, with significant annual gains in Education & Health Services (+26,000), Leisure & Hospitality (+9,700), and Construction (+7,400). Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1%.

According to the Labor Department, Utah added 46,200 non-agricultural jobs over the past 12 months, representing a very substantial growth rate of 3.1%. Although the area has experienced a slowing in employment gains, the economy is running at full employment, which limits how many new jobs can be created. In February, the unemployment rate was measured at 3.1%, down from 3.3% a year ago.