Category: Employment & Economy

Washington state's broadest measure of labor underutilization was significantly higher than the national average in 2024, according to data released in March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fatal work injuries in Washington state decreased to 97 in 2023, down from the previous year, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in March 2025.

Consumer prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area increased 1.1 percent from December 2024 to February 2025, with annual inflation reaching 2.5 percent, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington state's unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.3% in January, while Kitsap County reported a higher jobless rate of 4.8%, according to figures released by the Employment Security Department.

Washington employers are showing increased economic optimism but still cite taxes and regulations as major challenges, according to an Association of Washington Business survey.

U.S. import prices increased 0.3% in January, the largest monthly gain since April 2024, while export prices jumped 1.3%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in February.

Nonfarm business productivity increased 1.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with output rising 2.3% and hours worked up 1.0%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in February.

U.S. consumer prices increased 0.5% in January, following a 0.4% rise in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in February. The annual inflation rate reached 3.0%, up slightly from 2.9% in December.

Business applications fell 14% in January compared to December 2024, with 392,496 new applications filed, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released February 12.

Middle market business leaders are showing their strongest economic confidence since 2019, with recession fears dramatically declining, according to JPMorgan Chase's 2025 Business Leaders Outlook survey.