Pierce County unemployment fell sharply in September, likely the result of seasonal hiring tied to the beginning of the school year, according to county unemployment data released Tuesday by the state Employment Security Department.
The Pierce County jobless rate fell to 8.5 percent last month from a revised 9.1 percent jobless rate in August, the data show. Seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment was 8.5 percent in September. Public sector hiring statewide created 2,700 jobs last month, most of that in education. The national unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in September.
Regional jobless rates for September, not seasonally adjusted:
* King County (Seattle, Bellevue): 7 percent.
* Kitsap County: 7.1 percent.
* Thurston County: 7.4 percent.
* Pierce County: 8.5 percent.
* Mason County: 10.2 percent.
* Lewis County: 11.8 percent.
* Grays Harbor County: 12 percent.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.