Washington’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.6 to 4.5 percent in May, establishing a record low for unemployment, according to the state Employment Security Department.

The rate is the lowest since comparable record-keeping began in 1976.

Rates for individual counties are expected to be released next week.

“Today’s great news demonstrates that our state’s economy is stronger than ever. When businesses add new jobs that creates more opportunities for workers, which ultimately benefits all Washingtonians,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “We must continue to ensure that people in every corner of the state enjoy economic growth and prosperity.”

In May last year, the statewide unemployment rate was 5.6 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.3 percent this May. Washington has added an estimated 80,500 new jobs from May 2016 through May 2017, not seasonally adjusted. The private sector grew by 2.5 percent or 66,400 jobs, and the public sector increased by 2.4 percent, adding 14,100 jobs, according to the department, which will release county unemployment figures next week.