The unemployment rate in Lincoln County continues to edge up and is now 11 percent higher than Oregon’s overall rate.
The Oregon Employment Department said this week that the county’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in July, up from 5.5 percent in June. It was 5.1 percent in July 2024.
Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 5 percent in July, and the national rate was 4.2 percent, the agency said.
Regional economist Shaun Barrick said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County decreased by 130 jobs in July to 18,340 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 190 jobs was expected for the month.
The county’s total nonfarm employment actually increased by 60 jobs, with a gain of 260 jobs in the private sector but that government employment decreased by 200, Barrick said. Leisure and hospitality added 220 jobs and professional and business services added 30 jobs, he said, but local education employment decreased by 210.
July’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down 200 jobs over the year, a decrease of 1 percent, Barrick said. The largest gains occurred in accommodation which rose by 80 jobs over the year while professional and business services lost 110 jobs.
