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Washington's unemployment rate rises for fourth straight month
The state's jobless rate remained at its highest since 2021 in the newly released report for February.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:27am
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A visual representation of Washington's steadily climbing unemployment rate, captured through abstract geometric shapes and colors.Bellingham TodayThe state's unemployment rate rose once again, continuing a steady climb amid a five-year high. According to the latest jobs report from the state Employment Security Department, Washington's seasonally adjusted jobless rate sat at 5.1% in February, just a tick higher than January's rate of 5%. This marks the state's fourth straight monthly increase in unemployment, with the rate still at its highest since 2021.
Why it matters
The rise in Washington's unemployment rate is concerning, as it indicates ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty in the state. High unemployment can have ripple effects across the economy, impacting consumer spending, tax revenues, and overall economic growth.
The details
The state Employment Security Department reported that Washington's seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 5.1% in February, up slightly from 5% in January. This marks the fourth consecutive month of increases in the state's unemployment rate, which is now at its highest level since 2021. The department will release the February data for Whatcom County next Tuesday, April 21. The state has been behind in releasing jobs reports due to delays stemming from last year's federal government shutdown.
- The state's unemployment rate rose in February 2026.
- The state's unemployment rate has increased for four straight months.
- The state's unemployment rate is at its highest level since 2021.
The players
Employment Security Department
The state agency responsible for tracking and reporting on Washington's employment and unemployment data.
What’s next
The state will release the February unemployment data for Whatcom County on April 21, 2026, providing more insight into the regional economic trends.
The takeaway
The steady rise in Washington's unemployment rate over the past four months is a concerning economic indicator, signaling ongoing challenges and uncertainty in the state's job market. Policymakers and economic leaders will be closely watching the upcoming county-level data to better understand the scope and drivers of this trend.
