Lincoln County’s unemployment rate in September hit 6 percent, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday, an announcement delayed two months because of the 43-day federal government shutdown in October and November.
The agency said the county’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6 percent in September, up from 5.8 percent in August and up from 5.2 percent the year before. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in September, and the national rate was 4.4 percent.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased by 40 in September to 18,710 jobs, according to regional economist Shaun Barrick. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A loss of 240 jobs was expected for the month.
The county’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 200, with a loss of 350 jobs in the private sector, Barrick said, while government employment increased by 150. Leisure and hospitality lost 290 jobs, but local education employment increased by 150.
September’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down 100 jobs over the year, a decrease of 0.5 percent. The largest gains occurred in nondurable goods manufacturing which rose by 140 jobs over the year in September. Professional and business services lost 230 jobs while local government added 80 jobs, Barrick said.
