Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has increased slightly, moving to 4.5 percent in March from a 4.3 percent rate in February, according to the Oregon Employment Department. It was 4.2 percent in January.
That’s still less than the county’s unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in March 2023.
The employment department said in its monthly report this week that Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in March, and the national rate was 3.8 percent.
The agency’s regional economist, Shaun Barrick, said Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased by 150 in March to 19,020 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. Barrick said a gain of 80 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment increased by 230.
The private sector gained 190 jobs with leisure and hospitality businesses adding 150 jobs although retail trade declining by 10 jobs. Government employment increased by 40, Barrick said.
March’s total nonfarm employment numbers in the county show a gain of 350 jobs compared with one year before, an increase of 1.9 percent. Professional and business services were up 120 jobs over the year to March and local government, including tribal and education, added 210 jobs over the past year. Accommodation and food services shed 110 jobs over the past 12 months, Barrick said.
