County"s unemployment rate up slightly in August

The unemployment rate in Washington County was 4.0 percent in August, according to the Idaho Department of Labor, which just released figures.

 The August number was up slightly from the 3.6 percent recorded in July. One year ago the jobless rate in the county was higher at 4.2 percent.

 The jobless rate in neighboring Payette County was 3.3 percent in August, which was also up slightly from 3.1 percent posted in July. 

 In a county with as small a population as Washington County, most labor economists would agree that 5 percent and under is considered full employment.

 Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly to 2.8 percent in August, continuing at or below 3 percent for the 12th consecutive month.

 Over the year, Idaho’s statewide labor force increased by 15,884 (1.9 percent) in August, total employment grew by 17,400 (2.1 percent) and there were 1,516 (5.9 percent) fewer unemployed workers.