Employment and Wages in Oregon and Nationwide

This week the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported over-the-year changes in employment and wages for the largest 334 counties nationwide. From June 2008 to June 2009, employment declined in 324 of the 334 counties, an overall loss of 5.1 percent. Elkhart County, Indiana, posted the largest employment decline, 21.9 percent. Yakima County, Washington had the greatest employment increase during this time period at 1.5 percent.

Average weekly wages for June 2009 also declined, by 0.1 percent over the previous year. Weld County, Colorado experienced the largest wage decrease at 9.0 percent. Olmstead County, Minnesota saw the largest weekly wage gains, at 10.8 percent.

Six Oregon counties were included in the BLS survey. All posted employment declines, ranging from a 5.2 percent dip in Marion County employment to a 7.2 percent decline in Clackamas County. Oregon counties fared somewhat better in terms of wages between June 2008 and June 2009. Four of the six counties in the report posted wage increases: Jackson (1.5 percent), Lane (0.9 percent), Marion (2.8 percent), and Multnomah (0.6 percent). Wages in Washington County declined by 0.2 percent, and Clackamas County wages fell by 0.3 percent.

For the official BLS press release and links to additional information, visit the BLS economic releases page.