Central Oregon job growth slows in November
Oregon’s strong job growth in November was not reflected on the High Desert, where job growth slowed and unemployment levels remained largely unchanged, the state Employment Department reported Monday.
Deschutes County continues to see strong job growth over the past year, but those gains were tempered by larger than expected seasonal declines in November, Regional Economist Damon Runberg said.
Job growth essentially stalled in Crook County. Once recent layoffs at Woodgrain Millwork in Prineville are accounted for in the December figures, Crook County will finish the year with fewer jobs than where it started, Runberg said.
The employment situation is brighter in Jefferson County, where steady job growth continues, he added.
Here’s the breakdown:
Crook County : There was essentially no change to the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November. The rate ticked up to 10.2 percent from 10.1 percent in October, which is not a statistically significant change. Over the past year, the unemployment rate dropped from 11.5 percent.
Total nonfarm employment fell by 110 jobs in November; which is less than the expected seasonal decline of 140 jobs. These losses do not account for the late November layoffs at the Woodgrain Millwork plant in Prineville. Monthly employment estimates are based on the pay period through the 12 th of each month. These layoffs occurred after the reference period and will be accounted for in the December figures.
Crook County’s job growth slowed significantly in November. The county added 100 jobs from this time last year. Wood product manufacturing posted gains over the year, however these gains will be reversed in the December figures. Leisure and hospitality (+40) and construction (+30) are both up significantly from this time last year. Losses were concentrated in educational and health services (-40) and professional and business services (-30).
Deschutes County (Bend MSA) : The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.8 percent in November. Unemployment levels are down from this time last year when it was 8.8 percent.
Job growth stalled on a seasonally adjusted basis in November. The county shed 290 jobs when a gain of 40 is the norm this time of year. Much of this slowdown can be attributed to later than usual seasonal layoffs in the tourism industry. Retail trade saw an impressive ramp up in November for the holiday shopping period, adding 530 jobs.
Deschutes County continues to see impressive job growth over the past year. Total nonfarm employment is up 2,950 jobs (+4.4%) with the vast majority of this growth in the private sector. Gains continue to be spread across many industries with mining, logging, and construction leading the way with an additional 800 jobs from this time last year.
Jefferson County : The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.4 percent in November, a slight increase from 9.3 percent in October. The rate was 10.1 percent this time last year, which is not a statistically significant decline.
Jefferson County shed 40 jobs in November, when the county typically expects to lose around 120 jobs this time of year.
Jefferson County’s job growth over the past year is outpacing the state (+3.9%), adding 230 jobs. However, the private sector is growing at a slower pace, only contributing about 80 of those jobs. Manufacturing (+50) and retail trade (+40) each experienced strong growth, while construction decline over the past year (-20).
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for December 2014 will be released on Monday, January 26 th .
