Oregon Employment Rate Increases, Stays Ahead of National Average

The current number of unemployed Oregonians is the lowest the state has seen in more than two decades, according to a recent report from the Oregon Employment Department.

State officials announced March 21 an unemployment rate of 4 percent for February, a decrease from 4.3 percent in January. Four percent equals roughly 82,000 residents, which is the lowest number of unemployed Oregonians since August 1995, officials said. As of last month’s report, the state’s labor force is over 2 million residents.

The national unemployment rate for February was 4.7 percent.

Industry employees in the state –– which does not include farm workers, private household employees, and nonprofit employees –– grew by 8,200 jobs in February, building on an increase of 700 jobs the previous month.

Government jobs reportedly expanded the most, adding 4,400 jobs. Government lost 3,400 jobs in January, however.

The health care and social service industry saw a similar situation with its growth in February, adding 2,400 jobs to the 1,700 lost in January.

Manufacturing added 1,300 after losing 200 in January, and construction built on its January growth of 2,500 jobs by adding 900 more in February.

Transportation, warehousing, and utilities were the only areas to show no growth, and instead cut 1,400 jobs.

The state’s overall annual growth continued to stay ahead of the national average, officials said, adding nearly 40,000 jobs for a rate of 2.2 percent growth over the past 12 months –– though that rate is lower than the state’s previous four-year average of 3 percent.

Nationally, growth averaged 1.6 percent.

For help finding jobs and training resources, visit one of the state's WorkSource Oregon Centers or visit www.WorkSourceOregon.org.

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