Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued to drop very slightly in October and is now approaching the state and national jobless rates.
The Oregon Employment Department reported that the county’s unemployment rate was 4 percent in October, down slightly from 4.1 percent in September but much lower than the 5.9 percent rate the year before.
The statewide unemployment rate was 3.6 percent in October; the national rate was 3.9 percent.
Regional economist Erik Knoder said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased by 130 in October to 19,070 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A loss of 470 jobs was expected for the month, Knoder said, but the county’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 340. The private sector lost 400 jobs, leisure and hospitality lost 280 jobs, manufacturing declined by 50 jobs but government employment increased by 60, Knoder said.
October’s total nonfarm employment numbers show a gain of 800 jobs compared with one year before, an increase of 4.4 percent.
Knoder said accommodation and food service businesses were up 150 jobs over the year to October and food manufacturing grew by 120 jobs. On the other hand, food and beverage retailers shed 50 jobs so far this year while local government, including tribal and education, added 230 jobs over the past year.
