Hot hiring: Central Oregon jobless rates still falling
Early spring hiring was strong in March, particularly in Deschutes County, which added over 400 more jobs than the seasonal norm, a state economist said Tuesday.
“This strong hiring helped to drive down unemployment rates across the region,” said Regional Economist Damon Runberg.
Here’s his full monthly report:
Crook County: The unemployment rate ticked down to 7.1 percent in March from 7.3 percent in February (not a statistically significant decline). However, the rate is down significantly from last year when it was 8.7 percent. Although employment in Crook County businesses is down, the number of employed residents is up. This is likely due to commuters finding work in other parts of Central Oregon.
Crook County added 60 jobs from February, which is fairly typical hiring for this time of year.
Local business shed more jobs than were added over the past year (-70 jobs). Job losses remain concentrated in manufacturing (-100), but professional and business services (-30) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-20) also posted notable losses. Job growth was concentrated in the public sector (+30), construction (+20), and educational and health services (+20).
Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The unemployment rate dropped below 5 percent (4.8%) for the first time since June 2007. The rate is down from last year when it was 5.6 percent. Neither the monthly drop nor the changes over the past year were statistically significant. The improving unemployment rate has been driven by rapid hiring over the past year. Labor force participation is on the rise.
Deschutes County added 640 jobs in March, much stronger hiring than the typical gains of around 230 jobs expected this time of year. Professional and business services posted significant hiring in March, adding 200 jobs. Other industries that posted strong job growth in March include retail trade (+160); leisure and hospitality (+130); educational and health services (+100); and mining, logging, and construction (+90). Job losses were concentrated in manufacturing, which shed 120 jobs from February.
Over-the-year employment growth in Deschutes County continues to be the fastest in Oregon and amongst the fastest of the nation’s metropolitan areas. Employment levels are up by 4,280 jobs from March 2015 (+6%). All private industries added jobs over the past year. Growth was concentrated in retail, health care, leisure and hospitality, and professional and business services.
Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment dipped in March to 6.5 percent from 6.7 percent in February. The unemployment rate is down from last March (7.3%). Neither decline was statistically significant.
Employment levels rose by 40 jobs in March, which was fairly typical hiring for this time of year. Leisure and hospitality accounted for the majority of job gains.
Nonfarm employment is up 90 jobs from last year (+1.5%). However, the private sector is up 100 jobs (+2.8%). Job growth over the past year was concentrated in manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, construction, and retail trade. Declines were largely concentrated in Indian tribal (-80 jobs) and wholesale trade (-30).
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, May 24th and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data on Tuesday, May 17th.
