Oregon's Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low 3.8 Percent in March

Oregon's unemployment rate hit another record low in March. The 3.8 percent unemployment rate improved from 4.0 percent in February, and is the lowest unemployment rate since comparable statistics began in 1976.

Oregon's March unemployment rate sits significantly below the U.S rate of 4.5 percent. The last time Oregon’s unemployment rate was this far below the U.S. was the mid-1990s.

The state's payrolls continued to grow, adding 2,400 jobs last month. Job growth has slowed slightly in recent months. Still, Oregon's 2.2 percent job growth over the year outpaced the national growth rate of 1.5 percent.

Professional and business services added the most jobs of any major industry, with a gain of 1,700 jobs in March. Construction grew the fastest over the year; the sector added 8,200 jobs for a growth rate of 9.2 percent since last March.

You can find more information about Oregon's unemployment rate and job growth in the full news release.