Island County unemployment, which measures only joblessness in Oak Harbor, dropped to 6.5 percent, or 2,130 people, in February, according to non-seasonally adjusted figures from the state Employment Security Department released earlier this week (3/29). That compares to unemployment of 7 percent, or 2,224 people, in February 2015.

The numbers reflect people who are out of work but are seeking a job. Statewide, the February 2016 rate was 6.3 percent.