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Washington County’s labor force has grown by 2.5% and unemployment is one of the lowest in the state. Washington Economic Development Group Director Ed Raber says while Washington County’s unemployment remained at 5.2%, only Johnson County has a lower unemployment rate. Raber says “crisp increases in hiring or rehiring around the county resulted in over 200 more … people being employed.” In the KCII listening area, Henry County had the highest unemployment in September at 9%. Johnson County has the lowest state unemployment at 4.5%.