Lincoln County’s unemployment rate hits 6.1 percent in November

Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to march upward – significantly higher than the rate a year ago and the Oregon and national rates.

The county’s jobless rate was 6.1 percent in November, up from 6 percent in September and an increase from the 5.2 percent rate in November 2024, the agency announced Tuesday.

Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in November, and the national rate was 4.6 percent.

The Oregon Employment Department said its release of November’s unemployment rate occurred after a “significant delay” due to the federal government shutdown in October. It also said the October unemployment rate would not be available because the data was not collected due to the October shutdown.

In Lincoln County in November, seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 50 to 18,770 jobs.

Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A loss of 290 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 340.

There was a loss of 360 jobs in the private sector with the leisure and hospitality sector losing 180 jobs and nondurable goods manufacturing employment decreasing by 140. Government employment increased by 20.

November’s total nonfarm employment numbers were up 60 jobs over the year, an increase of 0.3 percent. The largest gains occurred in nondurable goods manufacturing and food and beverage retailers, which rose by 70 jobs each over the year in November. Local government, excluding education and tribal employment, added 110 jobs.