PORT ANGELES – Clallam County’s unemployment rate his dipped below ten percent for the first time since the pandemic began.

According to the Washington Employment Security Department, Clallam County had an unadjusted rate of 9.6% in August. That’s down from 11.9% in July.  In August 2019, the unemployment rate was at 6 percent.

Figures show nearly 600 people were added to employed ranks between July and August of this year. The change coincides with the termination of extra unemployment benefits paid to those who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jefferson County’s unemployment rate is now at 8.8%. The statewide unemployment rate is now at 8.4%.