Deschutes County jobless rate drops closer to historic low in September; Crook, Jefferson rates rise a bit
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined in September, creeping towards its historic low, while Crook and Jefferson counties saw slight increases in their jobless rates, the Oregon Employment Division reported Tuesday.
Here's the breakdown, by county:
Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly over the month of September and is now 5.5%—in September of last year, it was 6.0%. The unemployment rate remains 1.0 percentage point above the record low set before the pandemic, when it was 4.5%.
Crook County lost 60 jobs in September, with most losses occurring in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs). Employment levels in Crook County are now 6.6% above pre-pandemic levels in February 2020 (+440 jobs).
The county lost 260 jobs in the last year (-3.4%). Job losses were concentrated in construction (-230 jobs), professional and business services (-70 jobs), government (-70 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (-60 jobs). These losses were slightly offset by job gains concentrated in private education and health services (+80 jobs), other services (+60 jobs), and retail trade (+50 jobs).
Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined over the month of September and is now 3.6%. The unemployment rate in September remains 0.2 percentage point above its record low of 3.4% before the onset of the pandemic.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Deschutes County gained 910 jobs (+1.0%) in September, and total nonfarm employment is now 93,640. Employment levels remain around 3,910 jobs (+4.4%) above February 2020 levels, before the onset of the pandemic.
Total nonfarm employment expanded by 1.8% (+1,700 jobs) from September 2022. Government led private industry growth with an over-the-year gain of 1,070 jobs (+10.9%), with most gains (+610 jobs) registered in local education. Other notable gains were in private education and health services (+720 jobs); professional and business services (+80 jobs); information (+70 jobs); and other services (+60 jobs). Over-the-year losses occurred primarily in financial activities (-190 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-130 jobs); and manufacturing (-60 jobs).
Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased over the month of September and is now 4.5%, up from the revised rate of 4.4% in August. The unemployment rate was 4.4% from October 2019 to December 2019, shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19.
Total nonfarm employment increased by 80 jobs in September (+1.2%), slower growth than typical this time of year. Employment gains were concentrated in local government (+210 jobs), while job losses were concentrated in manufacturing (-60 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (-50 jobs). All other industries registered little to no change over the month. Total nonfarm seasonally adjusted employment is now at its pre-pandemic employment level.
Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment increased by 260 over the past year (4.0%). Job gains were concentrated in the public sector (+320 jobs), other services (+40 jobs), and private education and health services (+30 jobs). Losses were concentrated in manufacturing (-80 jobs); retail trade (-30 jobs); construction (-30 jobs); and professional and business services (-20 jobs).
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for October on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
