Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates fell again in February in two of the three Central Oregon counties. The rate remained about the same in Jefferson County. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (8.8 percent) was unchanged in February.
Crook County: In February, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Crook County was 14.0 percent. The rate is down 0.7 percentage point from January’s revised rate of 14.7 percent. Although still the highest in the state, this is the lowest that the rate has been since December 2008. One year ago, the rate was 16.5 percent.
The county lost 30 jobs between January and February. This is the number of jobs that the county typically loses this time of year.
Only one private-sector industry added jobs in February. Construction added 10 jobs last month.
Two industries lost jobs last month: wood product manufacturing (-50) and wholesale trade (-10).
Government added 20 jobs last month. Local government added 30 jobs while federal government lost 10.
The county has had over-the-year job gains. Overall the county added 140 jobs compared to February 2011. The largest over-the-year job gain was in local government (160). The smallest gain was in financial activities (10).
Deschutes County (Bend MSA): Deschutes County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February was 11.3 percent. The rate is down 0.3 percentage point from January’s revised rate of 11.6 percent. Although the rate is the highest among the state’s metro areas, this is the lowest that the rate has been since December 2008. One year ago, in February 2011, the rate was 13.2 percent.
The county lost 520 jobs between January and February. Typically the county adds jobs this time of year.
There were four private-sector industries that posted over-the-month job gains: manufacturing (30); professional and business services (30); wholesale trade (20); and other services (20). Government also added jobs. Federal government added 10, state government added 40, and local government added 160 jobs.
Four private-sector industries reported employment loss in February: leisure and hospitality (-470); retail trade (-310); mining, logging and construction (-20); and private education and health services (-10).
For the four out of the last five months, the county has had over-the-year job gains. The largest was posted last month when the county added 750 jobs. This month the county added 120 jobs compared to February 2011. The largest annual gain was reported in accommodation and food services (540), followed by retail trade (210), and manufacturing (110). Government added 50 jobs over the last year.
Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 12.7 percent in Jefferson County in February. The rate was essentially unchanged from January’s revised rate of 12.8 percent and December’s revised rate of 12.7 percent. One year ago, in February 2011, the rate was 13.4 percent. In February, the county lost 40 jobs. Typically the county adds a few jobs this time of year.
The job losses were spread out over several private-sector industries: manufacturing; retail trade; and professional and business services each lost 10 jobs last month. Government also lost jobs (-20).
One private-sector industry reported an employment increase: other services (10).
Compared to one year ago, Jefferson County has 160 fewer jobs. The private-sector lost 100 jobs while government lost 60 jobs. The largest private-sector employment loss was reported in manufacturing (-60).
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for March 2012 is scheduled to be released on Monday April 23, 2012.
