Unemployment levels ticked up slightly in October across Central Oregon and unemployment rates are largely unchanged over the past year for all three counties. Recent revisions using payroll tax records revealed that hiring was slower than initially estimated for much of Central Oregon. Although the region continues to add jobs, the pace of hiring slowed compared to the first half of 2018.
Crook County: The unemployment rate ticked up to 5.7 percent in October from 5.5 percent in September. The rate is down slightly from this time last year when it was 6.2 percent.
Crook County shed 60 jobs in October, fairly typical changes for this time of year.
Recent revisions from payroll tax records through the first half of 2018 confirmed that the employment situation is little changed over the past year. The county added 70 nonfarm jobs from last October, a growth of only 1.2 percent.
Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in October, a slight increase from 3.8 percent in September. The rate is largely unchanged from this time last year when it was 4.2 percent.
Deschutes County lost 390 jobs in October, typical losses for this time of year. Seasonal losses were concentrated in accommodation and food services, which shed 1,250 jobs from September.
Job growth continues at an elevated pace, however recent revisions revealed that the pace of growth was slower than initially estimated. The county added 3,720 jobs from this time last year (+4.5%). All major industry sectors added jobs over the past year with the largest gains in construction, health care, retail trade, and professional and business services. Public sector employment was also up significantly over the past year due to strong gains in local government education.
Jefferson County: The unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent in October, a statistically significant increase from 4.9 percent in September. The rate is largely unchanged from 5.4 percent this time last year.
Jefferson County lost 80 jobs in October, typical changes for this time of year.
The county added 270 jobs in the past year (+4.2%). Recent revisions using payroll tax records revealed that hiring was stronger through the first half of 2018 than initially estimated. The strong job growth was primarily due to gains in manufacturing and professional and business services.
