Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates were essentially unchanged for the fourth month in a row in two of three Central Oregon counties in October. The rate in Jefferson County dropped 0.3 percentage points last month. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in October essentially unchanged from September’s revised rate of 9.6 percent.
Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 15.8 percent in October, unchanged from September’s revised rate of 15.8 percent. One year ago, in October 2011, the rate in Crook County was 17.9 percent.
The county lost 40 jobs in October. Typically, the county adds roughly 50 jobs this time of year.
Three private-sector industries added 10 jobs in October: construction; financial activities; and, other services. Leisure and hospitality posted the largest over-the-month job loss in October (-40 jobs) as the summer tourist season draws to a close. Two other private-sector industries posted small job losses last month: professional and business services and wholesale trade.
Government lost a few jobs (-10 jobs) in October. Federal government lost 30 jobs while local government added 20.
Crook County’s total nonfarm employment declined by just 70 jobs compared to October 2010. This is the smallest over-the-year job loss reported in 2011. The largest private-sector job loss occurred in construction (-70). On the other hand, local government added 130 jobs over the last year.
Deschutes County (Bend MSA): The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 12.6 percent in October. Since March 2011, the rate has been essentially unchanged. The rate is nearly two percentage points lower than it was one year ago. In October 2010 the rate was 14.5 percent.
Deschutes County lost 880 jobs between September and October. Typically the county is expected to lose about 280 jobs this time of year.
A few jobs were added in only one private-sector industry last month: retail trade (10). All other private-sector industries in Deschutes County posted over-the-month losses. In totally the private sector lost 1,280 jobs in October.
Government added 400 jobs last month. The federal government posted a relatively small loss (-40) while state government added 390 jobs and local government added 420 jobs.
There were 350 more jobs reported in the county October 2011 than were reported one year ago. This is the largest over-the-year gain in employment reported in 2011. All 350 jobs were in private-sector industries. Large over-the-year job gains were reported in leisure and hospitality (540) and education and health services (390). Government employment in Deschutes County is unchanged from one year ago.
Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in October. This is the lowest that the rate has been since June 2011.The revised rate in September was 13.6 percent. One year ago, in October 2010, the rate was 14.5 percent.
The county lost 70 jobs in October. This is the typical number of jobs lost in Jefferson County this time of year.
One private-sector industry reported an over-the-month job increase: education and health services (10). Leisure and hospitality reported the largest job loss (-40) which is typically this time of year as the summer tourist season ends. Three other private-sector industries reported a loss of 10 jobs: construction; information; and, manufacturing.
Government lost 10 jobs in October. Indian tribal lost 20 jobs and state government lost 10 jobs.
Over the last year, Jefferson County has lost 250 jobs. The largest one year job losses were reported in two private-sector industries: manufacturing and leisure and hospitality. The public sector reported a loss of 40 jobs between October 2011 and October 2010.
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for November 2011 is scheduled to be released on Monday December 19, 2011.
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