The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June held steady in Crook County, and was essentially unchanged in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. In June, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.5 percent, essentially unchanged from May’s revised rate of 8.4 percent. At the national level, the unemployment rate was 8.2 percent.
Crook County: In Crook County, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was 13.6 percent. The rate did not change from May’s revised rate of 13.6 percent. One year ago, in June 2011, the rate was 14.8 percent.
The county added 140 jobs in June. Typically the county adds about 160 jobs this time of year.
Private-sector industries added 70 jobs in June. The largest over-the-month employment increase was in leisure and hospitality (+50).
Government added 70 jobs in June.
In June 2012, there were 90 (+1.6%) more jobs in Crook County than there were in June 2011. The annual job growth occurred in government, which added 150 jobs.
Deschutes County (Bend MSA): The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Deschutes County in June was 11.0 percent. The rate dropped by 0.1 percentage point from May’s revised rate of 11.1 percent. One year ago, in June 2011, the rate was 12.5 percent.
The county added 440 jobs in June. Typically, approximately 1,060 jobs are added in Deschutes County this time of year. Private-sector industries added 660 jobs between May and June, while government lost 220 jobs.
Leisure and hospitality added 730 jobs in June. Construction added 90 jobs. There were monthly job losses reported in several industries.
Compared to one-year ago in June 2011, the county has 400 (+0.6%) more jobs. Private-sector industries reported 250 additional jobs while government agencies reported 150 more jobs.
For many years, monthly employment estimates for Oregon and its metropolitan areas were developed by Oregon Employment Department economists. These economists were also responsible for revising the initial sample-based estimates annually, based on more complete information from Oregon businesses. This revisions process is known as benchmarking.
In March 2011, responsibility for the monthly employment estimates for Oregon and its metropolitan areas shifted to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The estimates developed by BLS are more heavily dependent on the sample of businesses and less reliant on knowledge of local economic events. They are also likely to demonstrate increased month-to-month variability.
BLS staff is also taking over responsibility for the annual benchmarking process. The results of this process will be reflected when revised data for 2010 and 2011 are released in February and March 2012.
Comments or questions should be directed to Graham Slater, Administrator of the Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce and Economic Research Division, at (503) 947-1212.
Jefferson County: In June the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Jefferson County was 11.9 percent. The rate dropped by 0.1 percentage point from May’s revised rate of 12.0 percent. One year ago in June 2011, the rate was 13.5 percent.
The county added 160 jobs in June. Typically the county adds about 230 jobs this time of year.
Overall, the private sector added 80 jobs. The largest monthly job gain was reported in manufacturing. Public sector job gains were in Indian tribal (+60) and state government (+20).
Jefferson County had 200 (+3.8%) more jobs in June 2012 than it did in June 2011.
These estimates will be revised as new data from businesses becomes available. The next Central Oregon Employment Situation with preliminary data for July 2012 is scheduled to be released on Tuesday August 21, 2012
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