Central Oregon jobless rates little changed in June
Strong hiring and low unemployment rates continued in Central Oregon counties last month, a state Employment Department economist reported Tuesday.
Here’s the monthly report from Regional Economist Damon Runberg:
Hiring in June was fairly typical for this time of year. On a seasonally adjusted basis employment levels were little changed and unemployment levels remained stable at or near historically low levels.
Crook County: The unemployment rate was largely unchanged in June at 5.4 percent compared to 5.5 percent in May. The rate remains down from this time last year when it was 6.1 percent.
Crook County added 190 jobs in June, typical hiring for this time of year.
Total nonfarm employment rose by a modest 1 percent over the past year (+60 jobs). Job gains were concentrated in wholesale trade, leisure and hospitality, information, and construction. Despite these diverse industry gains there were notable losses in professional and business services (-40 jobs).
Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The unemployment rate was little changed in June at 3.9 percent. The rate was 3.8 percent in May and 4.2 percent this time last year, neither change is statistically significant.
Deschutes County added 1,410 jobs in June, slightly stronger hiring than what is typical for this time of year. Leisure and hospitality posted notable job gains over the past month (+1,060) as we approach the busiest time for the tourism season.
Job growth is gaining steam this summer with employment levels up 4.4 percent from last June (+3,650 jobs). The rate of over-the-year job growth had been declining for much of 2018, but strong summer hiring pushed the rate of job growth back over 4 percent. Construction continues to be the fastest growing industry, up a staggering 15.5 percent over the past year (+1,020 jobs). After slower growth in 2017, leisure and hospitality is growing rapidly again with 1,060 more jobs compared to last June.
Jefferson County: The unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in June, essentially unchanged from 5.1 percent in May. The rate remains little changed over the past year as it was 5.5 percent in June 2017.
Jefferson County added 120 jobs in June, stronger hiring than typically expected this time of year. The strong hiring in June largely made up for the slow seasonal hiring posted in May.
Employment levels are largely unchanged over the past year in Jefferson County with the county only adding around 40 jobs (+0.6%) from last June. Manufacturing and construction are adding jobs, but there were minor losses in retail trade, transportation, and local government.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, August 21 st and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data on Tuesday, August 14 th .
