The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Lincoln County stayed at 4.7 percent in September, the same as in August but still significantly higher than the Oregon or national rates, according to a report this week from the Oregon Employment Department.
The county’s unemployment rate was also unchanged from the rate in July – but higher than the 4.2 percent from September 2023, regional economist Shaun Barrick said. Lincoln County’s unemployment rate in March, April, May and June was 4.6 percent.
Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 4 percent in September, and the national rate was 4.1 percent.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 20 in September to 18,660 jobs, Barrick said. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A loss of 300 jobs was expected for the month, he said, but the county’s total nonfarm employment actually decreased by 320, with a loss of 370 jobs in the private sector, and a gain of 50 jobs in government.
Private education and health services led private-sector job gains with an increase of 20 jobs, while leisure and hospitality lost 300 jobs. Education, a component of local government, added 70 jobs.
Barrick said that September’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down by 230 jobs over the year, a decrease of 1.2 percent. So far this year, food manufacturing lost 160 jobs and accommodation and food services shed 110 jobs, Barrick said. Local education added 80 jobs over the past year, while tribal employment fell by 50 jobs.
