Lincoln County is approaching the end of 2019 with a slightly lower unemployment rate – but one that remains higher than the state and national rates for the number of workers.
The seasonally-adjusted non-farm unemployment rate for Lincoln County for November was 4.5 percent, higher than the Oregon rate of 3.9 percent and the national rate of 3.5 percent.
Lincoln County’s unemployment rate in October was 4.7 percent, according to Erik Knoder, the regional economist for the Oregon Employment Department in Newport.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County increased by 120 in November to 18,750 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes, Knoder said in his monthly employment report.
A loss of 320 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment dropped by only 200. Private sector employment fell by 270 jobs, and government employment rose by 70. Leisure and hospitality shed 220 jobs and food manufacturing trimmed 90 jobs.
Retail trade added 70 jobs as the holidays approached, Knoder reported. Local governments combined to add 90 jobs. Other industries had smaller changes.
November’s total nonfarm employment in Lincoln County was 130 more than one year before, an increase of 0.7 percent. The private sector added 60 jobs over the year and government employment rose by 70.
Knoder said industries adding the most jobs over the year were leisure and hospitality (100 jobs) and food and beverage stores (50). Durable goods manufacturing, which can include lumber mills, cut 110 jobs over the year and private education and health services shed 70 jobs.
