For the seventh month in a row, Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly in August – hitting 4.1 percent, the Oregon Employment Department announced Tuesday.
The county’s unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in January before beginning its month-by-month decline. The July rate was 4.2 percent.
The statewide unemployment rate in August was 3.4 percent; the national rate was 3.8 percent.
Regional economist Erik Knoder said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County increased by 60 in August to 18,520 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 100 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment rose by 160.
The private sector added 110 jobs, food manufacturing gained 40 jobs and government employment increased by 50, according to Knoder.
August’s total nonfarm employment numbers show a gain of 470 jobs compared with one year before, an increase of 2.5 percent. The county lost 4,270 jobs in March 2020 as the pandemic hit, and it remains 130 jobs below its pre-pandemic employment of August 2019. Accommodation and food services was up 280 jobs over the year to August and other services grew by 150 jobs. On the other hand, construction was down 70 jobs compared with the previous year.
