The number of jobs in the Spokane area inched upward in November, as did the unemployment rate, according to preliminary data from the Washington state Employment Security Department. 

Total employment rose to 272,700 in the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area in November, up 300 jobs from the previous month and an increase of 4,900 from November of 2023. 

A separate, preliminary report puts the jobless rate in the Spokane MSA at 4.5% for November, up from 4.2% in October and slightly higher than the 4.4% rate in the year-earlier month. 

By comparison, employers  statewide added 27,300 job in the 12-month period ending Nov. 30, a 0.8% increase, according to preliminary data released by the state Employment Security Department. The statewide unemployment rate came in at 4.6% in November, down from 4.7% in October but up from 4% in November 2023.