Oregon Unemployment Rate at Record High

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 12.4 percent in May, up from 11.8 percent in April. The new rate is the highest on record since 1976, the first year that comprable data is available. The previous high was 12.1 percent in November 1982.

The state's employment dropped by just 100 in May, compared to 8,100 in April (seasonally adjusted), which is a bit of good news. Oregon's employment data for April and May both indicate a strengthening of local job markets compared to the first three months of the year.


For a detailed account of job losses and gains by industry, check out the most recent Employment Situation which was released today.