Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates remained relatively high in all three Central Oregon counties in August. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in August, essentially unchanged from July’s revised rate of 9.5 percent.
Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 15.6 percent in August, essentially unchanged from July’s revised rate of 15.7 percent. One year ago, in August 2010, the rate in Crook County was 17.9 percent.
The county lost 50 jobs in August. Typically the county adds about 20 jobs this time of year.
Two private-sector industries added jobs in August: other services (+20) and construction (+10). Four industries posted a monthly job loss: manufacturing (-30); education and health services (-10); professional and business services (-10); and retail (-10).
Government lost 20 jobs overall.
Crook County’s total nonfarm employment declined by 240 jobs compared to August 2010. The largest private-sector losses over the year occurred in wood product manufacturing (-80). Government added 40 jobs over the last year.
Deschutes County (Bend MSA): The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 12.7 percent in August. The rate was unchanged from July’s revised rate of 12.7 percent. One year ago, in August 2010 the rate was 14.6 percent.
Deschutes County lost 510 jobs between July and August. Typically the county has no job change this time of year.
Jobs were added in one private-sector industry: mining, logging, and construction (+20). Nearly every other private-sector industry reported job losses in August.
Government, all levels, reported job loss in August (-190).
There were 420 fewer job reported in the county August 2011 than were reported in August 2010. The largest loss was in mining, logging and construction (-420). Education and health services reported the largest over-the-year gain (+510). The public sector lost 510 jobs last year.
Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 13.6 percent in August. July’s revised rate was 13.5 percent. One year ago, in August 2010, the rate was 14.5 percent.
The county lost 80 jobs in August. Typically the county loses approximately 50 jobs this time of year.
Leisure and hospitality was the only private-sector industry to post job gains last month (+10). The public sector lost 50 jobs in August.
In August 2011, the county had 210 fewer jobs than in August 2010. Manufacturing reported the largest over-the-year job loss.
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for September 2011 is scheduled to be released on Monday October 24, 2011.
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