The jobless rates on the North Olympic Peninsula dropped last month while the state and national averages increased, according to preliminary data released by the state Economic Security Department today.
The ESD estimates that Clallam County saw its lowest jobless rate this year in September, with an 8.6 percent unemployment rate.
In August, Clallam County had a 9 percent unemployment rate.
In Jefferson County, the ESD estimates that its unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in September, down from August’s revised figure of 7.6 percent.
Statewide, on the other hand, the unemployment rate went from 9 percent to 9.3 percent last month, according to the ESD.
Nationwide, jobless rates rose from 9.6 percent to 10 percent in September.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.