Washington unemployment rate hits record low since 1976

Washington's unemployment rate dropped to the lowest it has been since record keeping started some 40 years ago.

While State Economist Paul Turek says the 4.5% rate in May is not expected to drop any lower, it could hold steady in the coming months.

"The economy continues to be on solid footing, we should be able to maintain that trend, there should be a decent degree of job creation and economic growth," says Turek.

The report shows Washington added 2,000 non-farm jobs in May. The department released the seasonally adjusted, preliminary jobs estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Oregon hit a record-low unemployment rate last month at 3.6%.