Regional Labor Economist Provides Insight to Unemployment

The unemployment rate for the Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area in April reflected somber figures with a jump from 5.4% in unemployment in 2019 compared to 15.1% in 2020. For comparison, the month of March was 5.4% as well.

"It's the first real analysis we're able to do with the impact of COVID-19 related layoffs," said Don Meseck, regional labor economist.

Locally, the nonfarm market employment fell 15.8% versus statewide nonfarm employment decreasing by 14.1%.

"Every major industry lost jobs over the year in the Wenatchee MSA," said Meseck. "The only exception, federal government, was up about 100 and that's primarily census related."

According to Meseck, one of the hardest hit sectors was leisure and hospitality which could be correlated with the 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order issued in March. In April 2019, there were 6,700 jobs in this industry versus 2,900 jobs in April 2020.

"The three (industries) I think lost the most are leisure and hospitality..health services and construction," said Meseck.

Meseck added he didn't expect the numbers to improve with the month of May data.