Whatcom County had the 10th worst job growth rate in the nation during a four-month period in 2009, according to a new report. CareerBuilder.com reviewed data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 281 metro areas on job growth from July through October 2009 to compile a list of the best and worst regions in the U.S. In the Bellingham metro area, jobs fell 2.3 percent during those four months. Grand Junction, Colo., had the worst period as jobs declined 5.2 percent, while in Merced, Calif., jobs rose 2.7 percent — the best rate.