A recent article by the Puget Sound Business Journal reported that although foreclosures have increased nearly 47% nationally from March 2006, Washingtons numbers have declined 6%. The national average is one foreclosure for every 775 households, while Washington sits at one for every 1,378. Colorado has the highest foreclosure rate currently reporting one foreclosure for every 183 households and Nevada follows close behind with one for every 292.
Also in March, the unemployment rate fell to 4.6%, which according to state officials, is a record low. Over 3,100 jobs were added to the pool and it was reported that 7,200 people found jobs in February.
On that note, the state Employment Security Department revealed that Washington ranks #10 nationally for the highest average income per week. Washington employees earned an average of $823 per week in the third quarter of 2006, which is better than the national average of $784 per week. The highest-paying jobs pay an average of $2,299 per week and the lowest at $302 per week. For more info, click here.