Oregon Employment Drops, Unemployment Rises in August

Oregon’s unemployment rate* rose to 12.2 percent in August from July's 11.8 percent (as revised). Oregon’s unemployment rate has been close to 12 percent for the six‑month period of March through August. One year ago Oregon’s unemployment rate was 6.5 percent.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose from 9.4 percent in July to 9.7 percent in August -- its highest level in 26 years.

In August, employment in Oregon declined by 6,600 jobs, following a gain of 500 (as revised) in July. The largest losses were in leisure and hospitality, government, professional and business services, and educational and health services. No other industries posted significant changes.

The full news release is available online, along with a video of the press release.

*The unemployment rates given are seasonally adjusted. Oregon's employment figure is seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment.