The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Lincoln County leveled off in August, but is still significantly higher than the Oregon or national rates, according to the latest report Tuesday from the Oregon Employment Department.
Lincoln County’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, unchanged from the rate in July – but higher than the 4.2 percent from August 2023, regional economist Shaun Barrick said. Lincoln County’s unemployment rate in March, April, May and June was 4.6 percent.
The statewide unemployment rate was 4 percent in August, and the national rate was 4.2 percent.
Barrick said that seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in the county increased by 80 in August to 18,670 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes – and a gain of 110 jobs was expected for the month. The county’s total nonfarm employment actually increased by 190, Barrick said, with a gain of 20 jobs in the private sector, and a gain of 170 jobs in government.
Professional and business services led private sector job gains with an increase of 30 jobs. Durable goods manufacturing lost 50 jobs. Local education, a component of local government, added 140 jobs.
August’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down by 120 jobs over the year, a decrease of 0.6 percent. The largest gain of any sector occurred in private education and health services, which rose by 40 jobs over the year in August. Food manufacturing lost 160 jobs, Barrick said, and accommodation and food services, a component of leisure and hospitality, shed 50 jobs over the year.
