Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to ratchet upward, reaching 5.3 percent in March, up from a revised rate of 5.2 percent in February.
A year ago the county’s unemployment rate was 4.8 percent. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in March, and the national rate was 4.2 percent. The county’s unemployment rate at the beginning of the year was 4.9 percent.
Regional economist Shawn Barrick said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased by 30 in March to 18,820 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes.
A gain of 130 jobs was expected for the month, Barrick reported Tuesday, but the county’s total nonfarm employment actually increased by 160 jobs, with a gain of 170 jobs in the private sector while government employment decreased by 10.
Leisure and hospitality added 150 jobs, Barrick said, while other private industries had little to no change.
March’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down by 120 jobs over the year, an increase of 0.7%. The largest gains occurred in professional and business services which rose by 130 jobs year-over-year in March. Manufacturing lost 230 jobs, Barrick said, while retail trade shed 100 jobs the past 12 months. State and local government each added 60 jobs.
