C.O. jobless rates little changed in August

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates saw little change for all three Central Oregon counties in August, the state Employment Department reported Monday.

The statewide unemployment rate was also essentially unchanged in August (8.9%) from the July rate of 8.7 percent. The national unemployment rate remained essentially flat as well, with a rate of 8.1 percent in August.

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.3 percent in August, up from 14.1 percent in July. Although the rate increased over the month, Crook County’s unemployment rate improved from 14.7 percent in August 2011. Still, Crook has the highest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of Oregon’s 36 counties.

The county added 20 jobs in August, slightly above the gain of 10 that’s typically expected this time of year.

Private-sector employment fell by 20 jobs in August, while government added 40 jobs. On the private side, the construction (+10 jobs) and other services (+10) sectors experienced small gains over the month. All public-sector job gains in August occurred in local government.

Employment declined by 110 jobs in Crook County between August 2011 and August 2012. The private sector lost 170 jobs over the year, while government added 60 jobs. The largest private-sector losses occurred in wood product manufacturing (-80) and retail trade (-70).

Deschutes County (Bend MSA): The county’s August unemployment rate (11.4%) was essentially unchanged from 11.3 percent in July, but sat 1 full percentage point below the year-ago rate of 12.4 percent in August 2011.

Preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a gain of 210 jobs in August, when a loss of 260 jobs would be the seasonal norm for the Bend metropolitan area. Private-sector industries added 90 jobs over the month, and government employment rose by 120 jobs.

In August, notable job gains occurred in local government education (+150); mining, logging, and construction (+70); accommodation and food services (+40); and professional and business services (+30).

The Bend metropolitan area posted a loss of 600 jobs (-1.0%) between August 2011 and August 2012, with private-sector employment down by 710 jobs and government up by 110 jobs over the year.

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Jefferson County rose to 12.4 percent in August, which was a slight increase from 12.2 percent in July, but an improvement from 13.4 percent in August 2011.

The county netted a loss of 90 jobs in August, a larger drop than the decline of 40 jobs that typically occurs in Jefferson County during this time of year. Monthly job losses were largely due to a loss of 100 in Indian tribal employment.

The private sector added 30 jobs in August. Industries with gains over the month included leisure and hospitality (+20); educational and health services (+10); professional and business services (+10); and construction (+10).

Jefferson County added 80 jobs between August 2011 and August 2012. As with the monthly job movements, over-the-year employment gains were largely attributable to growth in Indian tribal government.

These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for September 2012 will be released on Tuesday, October 23rd.