Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates were essentially unchanged for the third month in a row in all three Central Oregon counties in September. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in September unchanged from August’s revised rate of 9.6 percent.
Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 15.8 percent in September, essentially unchanged from August’s revised rate of 15.7 percent. One year ago, in September 2011, the rate in Crook County was 17.9 percent.
The county added 40 jobs in September. Typically, the county losses approximately 30 jobs this time of year.
Two private-sector industries added jobs in September: retail trade (+10) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+10). Three private-sector industries posted small job losses last month: construction (-10); other services (-10); and wholesale trade (-10).
Government added jobs in September. Local government added 70 jobs. State and federal each lost 10 jobs.
Crook County’s total nonfarm employment declined by 190 jobs compared to September 2010. The largest private-sector losses over the year occurred in construction (-80). Government added 70 jobs over the last year.
Deschutes County (Bend MSA): For the third month in a row, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 12.7 percent in Deschutes County. The rate is two percentage points lower than it was one year ago. In September 2010 the rate was 14.7 percent.
Deschutes County lost 310 jobs between August and September. Typically the county adds about 270 jobs in September.
Jobs were added in three private-sector industries: education and health services (+50); mining, logging, and construction (+20); and other services (+20). Three industries had jobs losses of 100 or more in September: leisure and hospitality (-390); professional and business services (-150) and retail trade (-100).
Government added 390 jobs between August and September. Local education added 430 jobs.
There were 230 more jobs reported in the county September 2011 than were reported in September 2010. The largest loss was in manufacturing (-340). Education and health services and leisure and hospitality reported the largest over-the-year gains (+530). The public sector lost 170 jobs last year.
The county lost 30 jobs in September. Typically the county loses approximately 80 jobs this time of year.
Education and health services and wood product manufacturing each added 10 jobs in September. Four other private-sector industries reported job losses: leisure and hospitality (-20); financial activities (-10); professional and business services (-10); and wholesale trade (-10).
Government added 10 jobs. Local government added 20 overall even though Indian tribal lost 100 jobs reflecting the end of the summer season.
In September 2011, the county had 280 fewer jobs than in September 2010. Manufacturing reported the largest number of jobs lost in the last year.
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for October 2011 is scheduled to be released on Monday November 21, 2011.
