Last C.O. job report before COVID-19 hit showed strong economy, low jobless rate
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- March was a tale of two months in Central Oregon and nationwide -- the first half and the second half. But jobless rates on the High Desert were low and employment high in the March figures, based on data from just before things took a nosedive due to COVID-19.
The survey reference week for the employment and unemployment estimates is the week that includes the 12th of the month. The reference week for March was one week before the initial workplace and gathering restriction to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, these preliminary March estimates show little impact from the virus on the local economy, Regional Economist Damon Runberg said.
Crook County: The unemployment rate was little changed at 4.9 percent in March. The rate dropped significantly from March 2019 when it was 6.1 percent.
Crook County’s total nonfarm employment was unchanged in March. Typically a gain of 60 jobs would be expected this time of year.
Total nonfarm employment rose by 160 jobs (+2.8%) from March 2019. The county overcame job losses in manufacturing with strong growth in local government; leisure and hospitality; information; and transportation.
Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in March. Levels of unemployment dropped significantly from March 2019 when the rate was 4.5 percent.
Deschutes County added 550 jobs in March, stronger gains than typically expected this time of year.
Total nonfarm employment in March was up by 2,380 jobs from March 2019 (+2.8%). The largest gains over the past year were in industries that we know have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions, including health care, leisure and hospitality, and construction. Job losses over the past year were largely isolated to professional and business services and information.
Jefferson County: The unemployment rate was little changed in March at 4.4 percent. The rate was 5.8 percent in March 2019.
Jefferson County lost 70 jobs in March. Typically the county would begin posting seasonal hiring this time of year.
Employment in March 2020 was largely unchanged from last year (-20 jobs). There were small gains in construction and retail trade over the past year. Job losses were posted in professional and business services, financial activities, and transportation and warehousing.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Wednesday, May 27th and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for April on Tuesday, May 19th.
Record Initial Unemployment Insurance Claims across Oregon
During the week of April 5 to April 11, the Oregon Employment Department received 53,800 initial claims for unemployment benefits. That’s in addition to a revised total of 243,000 initial claims filed during the prior three weeks.
Over the past four weeks, around 10,125 initial claims for unemployment benefits have been processed for Deschutes County residents. Deschutes County has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 layoffs due to a higher concentration of leisure and hospitality and health care jobs. Around 900 initial claims were processed for residents of Crook County and 730 for Jefferson County residents.
The Employment Department rapidly redeployed its staff, opened additional phone lines, and hired new staff in an attempt to address this unprecedented surge in claims. We are present to help Oregonians who have experienced tremendous disruptions, while also doing our part to follow health and safety guidelines for our communities.
More information on Unemployment Insurance benefits can be found here: https://govstatus.egov.com/ORUnemployment_COVID19
Data and analysis related to COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.qualityinfo.org/covid-19
