Labor Force Participation and Unemployment by Race and Ethnicity in 2014

by Nick Beleiciks, State Employment Economist

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 7.1 percent in 2014, but the unemployment rate varies across race and ethnicity groups. The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent among Asians, 6.8 percent among Whites, and 13.6 percent among Blacks and African Americans. The unemployment rate among Hispanics and Latinos of any race was 9.6 percent.

Oregon’s labor force participation rate was 61.4 percent. Participation rates also vary across race and ethnicity group. Participation rates were 64.1 percent among Asians, 62.8 percent among Blacks, and 61.2 percent among Whites. The participation rate among Hispanics and Latinos was 67.8 percent.