More people were working last month in the Kootenays and fewer people were looking for work compared to the same time last year.
Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate was 5.8 per cent in August, compared to 7.1 per cent in the same month of 2024.
There were 89,100 working (up from 87,000 last year) and 5,500 people looking for work (down from 6,600) out of a population of 150,400 (up from 148,500).
The local jobless figure was lower than both the national rate of 7.1 per cent and the provincial rate of 6.2 per cent.
Nationally, StatsCan says employment declined by 66,000 in August compared to July, which was largely due to a decline in part-time work. The unemployment rate rose 0.2 per cent overall compared to the previous month.
Employment fell for men and women aged 25 to 54 while there was little change in employment for youth 15 to 24 and people 55 and older.
Employment decreased in professional, scientific and technical services, transportation and warehousing and manufacturing, but grew in construction.
BC was one of several provinces that saw employment decline, along with Ontario and Alberta.
Average hourly wages increased 3.2 per cent year-over-year (gaining $1.12 to $36.31).
