Oregon's Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.2 Percent in July, Job Growth Continues

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in July, an increase from June’s 4.8 percent. It’s risen from a record low of 4.5 percent in the three months of March, April and May. Oregon’s labor force, which reached a record high of 2,058,000 in July, has grown rapidly in recent months as the number of people employed grew along with growth in the number of unemployed.

Oregon’s payroll employment added 3,800 jobs in July. Gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,100 jobs); professional and business services (+1,600); leisure and hospitality (+1,200); transportation, warehousing and utilities (+1,100); and other services (+1,000). Meanwhile, the industries with the biggest declines in July were manufacturing (-1,200 jobs) and construction (-1,100).

Watch Nick Beleiciks discuss Oregon's employment situation:

 

Read the Oregon Employment Department's full release.