Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in December, unchanged from November but 1.1 percent more than December 2024, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday.
December’s unemployment rate represents an increase of 21 percent year-over-year for 2025; the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in December 2024.
Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in December, and the national rate was 4.4 percent.
Seasonally adjusted non-farm payroll employment was unchanged in December at 18,780 jobs, according to OED regional economist Shaun Barrick. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes.
A loss of 240 jobs was expected for the month, and the county’s total non-farm employment decreased by 240, Barrick said, with a loss of 180 jobs in the private sector and a decrease of 60 jobs in government. Leisure and hospitality lost 180 jobs and local government employment decreased by 50.
December’s total non-farm employment numbers were down 100 jobs over the year, a decrease of 0.5 percent, Barrick said. The largest gain occurred in retail trade, which rose by 100 jobs during 2025. Accommodation and food services lost 90 jobs, he said, and local government, excluding education and tribal employment, added 90 jobs in 2025.
