Distressed areas list

Review an annual list of counties in Washington where the 3-year unemployment rate is at least 20% higher than the statewide average.

The average employment and unemployment numbers for the prior 3 years make up the list. 

Agencies, businesses and local leaders can use the information to focus resources where they’re needed most. You can also use the data to determine eligibility for grants, incentives and programs that support economic recovery and job growth.

Latest report

 

The map shows the not seasonally adjusted 3-year average unemployment rate for the Washington counties. Rates over 5.2% qualify as distressed and are shaded navy.

 

We create the distressed areas list in cooperation with the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more information about distressed areas, see Chapter 43.168.020 of the Revised Code of Washington on the Washington State Legislature site.

We update the list annually in the spring. Find additional reports in the report library.