Unemployment Falls in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties

Two coastal Washington counties just recorded their lowest unemployment rates in months, signaling growing economic opportunity for thousands of workers and their families.

Grays Harbor County's unemployment rate dropped from 5.2% to 4.4% between June and July 2026, while Pacific County saw an even bigger improvement from 6.2% to 4.7%. The Washington state Employment Security Department released the figures showing nearly every county in the region experienced similar job market improvements.

The drop means hundreds more people in these communities went back to work in just 30 days. Both counties have historically faced higher unemployment than the state average, making this progress particularly meaningful for local families.

Across Washington state, unemployment fell from 5.2% to 5.0% during the same period. Nearly every county in the region saw decreases, with only Pierce County holding steady at 5.4%.

The Ripple Effect

Lower unemployment touches every corner of a community. When more people have steady paychecks, local businesses see more customers walking through their doors. Families gain financial stability and the breathing room to plan for the future instead of just surviving day to day.

The coastal counties have worked hard to diversify their economies beyond traditional timber and fishing industries. These numbers suggest those efforts are paying off with real jobs for real people.

July's job market improvements come during the peak summer season when tourism and seasonal industries typically add workers. However, the magnitude of the drops in both counties exceeded typical seasonal patterns, indicating genuine economic momentum.

For workers who have been searching for opportunities, this trend offers something precious: hope that their next application might be the one that lands them back in the workforce.