C.O. jobless rates move little in November

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates were essentially unchanged for all three Central Oregon counties in November, the state Employment Department reported Monday.

Crook County: Crook County’s November unemployment rate of 13.4 percent was essentially unchanged from the revised rate of 13.6 percent in October. The unemployment rate did improve notably from the year-ago rate of 14.3 percent in November 2011.

The county dropped 140 jobs in November, a larger decline than the loss of 80 jobs typically expected during this time of year.

The private sector lost 80 jobs over the month. Leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (-30) posted the largest job losses.

Construction employment fell by 20 jobs. Educational and health services (+10) showed the only private-sector gain in November. Government shed 60 jobs over the month, with losses concentrated in federal government (-40).

Employment declined by 130 jobs in Crook County between November 2011 and November 2012. The private sector lost 170 jobs over the year. Industries with the largest declines included trade, transportation, and utilities (-70); manufacturing (-50); and educational and health services (-40).

Deschutes County (Bend MSA) : The county’s November unemployment rate (10.8%) was essentially unchanged from 10.9 percent in October, but improved by 1.2 percentage points from the year-ago rate of 12.0 percent in November 2011.

Preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Bend metropolitan area show a decline of 1,060 jobs in November. A loss of 820 jobs is the seasonal norm during this time of year.

BLS analysts estimate that private-sector employment declined by 1,270 jobs in November, while government lost 50 jobs. Between November 2011 and November 2012, estimates show that employment rose by 360 jobs, with a gain of 130 private-sector jobs and public-sector employment up by 230 jobs.

These preliminary estimates are subject to revision as more information becomes available from employers. Annual revisions, which will occur in the spring of 2013, may also result in significant changes to Bend’s employment estimates.

Jefferson County : The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Jefferson County was essentially unchanged at 12.0 percent in November, but did improve from the year-ago rate of 12.9 percent in November 2011.

Jefferson County lost 80 jobs in November, when a loss of 50 jobs would typically be expected. The private sector lost 50 jobs over the month. Manufacturing (+10) showed the only private-sector job gain in November. Government employment fell by 30 jobs.

Jefferson County added 80 jobs between November 2011 and November 2012. Gains were split evenly between the private and public sectors; each added 40 jobs over the year.

In the private sector, manufacturing added 60 jobs over the year, while educational and health services and leisure and hospitality each added 20 jobs. The largest loss occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (-50). Government employment gains over the year were largely due to growth in Indian tribal employment.

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