Benton, Franklin Counties Unemployment Rates Rise Slightly

Benton, Franklin Counties saw a slight increase in their unemployment rates from April to May.  We're two of 20 counties with rates that fall between 6 and 8 percent.

According to data released by the Employment Security Department,  Benton rose from 6.3% to 6.6%, but still noticeably lower than this time in 2014. Franklin, meanwhile, saw it's jobless ranks creep up from 7.0 to 7.2%, which is .5% lower than this time in 2014.

The vast majority of the state's counties (20) fell between 6.0 and 7.8% unemployment, while some - including Lincoln, Adams, Walla Walla and Whitman Counties - all had rates at 5.7 or lower.

The hardest-hit areas included Lewis, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Grays Harbor and Pacific, all with rates above 8 percent. The highest rate in the state goes to Ferry County which is located Northwest of Spokane, adjacent to Stevens. Their rate is a staggering 9.9 percent.