Lincoln County gained more employment than expected in May, adding 420 jobs and dropping the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to 4.7 percent.
The Oregon Employment Department’s regional economist in Newport said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County increased by 210 in May to 18,710 jobs.
Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 210 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment actually increased by 420.
Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in May, down from 4.9 percent in April, but the same as in May 2018. The county’s unemployment rate is higher than the statewide rate of 4.2 percent and the national rate of 3.6 percent.
In May, private-sector employment rose by 340 jobs, and government employment climbed by 80. Food manufacturing gained 160 jobs, and leisure and hospitality added 120 jobs. Local government education contributed 70 jobs. Other industries had smaller changes.
May’s total nonfarm employment was 110 more than one year before, an increase of 0.6 percent. Compared with last May, the private sector added 30 jobs, and government employment rose by 80.
Industries changing the most over the year were food manufacturing (+130 jobs), leisure and hospitality (+80 jobs) and local government education (+80 jobs).
