January (Un)Employment in Oregon's Counties

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose between January 2011 and January 2012 in four of Oregon's six broad regions. The Central Oregon counties combined for a 1.9 percent growth rate over the year, followed closely by the five Portland metro counties in Oregon, which added 1.8 percent. Smaller gains occurred along the coast (1.2%) and in Eastern Oregon (0.4%). Southern Oregon (-0.6%) and the Willamette Valley (-0.7%) saw employment declines over the year.

In January 2012, Benton County had the lowest seasonally adjusted jobless rate (5.9%), while Crook County posted the highest rate (14.6%). Overall, 15 of Oregon's counties had unemployment rates at or below the statewide rate of 8.8 percent. January unemployment rates declined over the year in every Oregon county.

The next Oregon Employment Department local news release is just around the corner. February employment numbers and unemployment rates will be released on Tuesday, March 27. For more information on your local area, visit QualityInfo.org and select an area on the regional map.