Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped again last month after seven months of increases.

The Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday that the county’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in March, down from 5.7 percent in February.

That February rate was the first time unemployment numbers had not increased since last July, according to regional economist Erik Knoder. After dipping to its lowest point last July at 4.7 percent, the county’s unemployment rate had risen to 5.8 percent in January.

Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in March was 4.4 percent; the national rate was 3.5 percent.

Knoder reported that seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in the county increased by 40 in March to 18,180 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 60 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment rose by 100.

The private sector added 130 jobs. Government employment dropped by 30. The leisure and hospitality sector grew by 130 jobs. Manufacturing added 30 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities cut 60 jobs.

March’s total nonfarm employment numbers show a gain of 250 jobs compared with one year before, an increase of 1.4 percent, Knoder said.

The county lost 4,270 jobs in April 2020 as the pandemic hit, and it remains 550 jobs below its pre-pandemic employment of March 2019.