Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained flat – but high – in June, the same as it has been for the previous three months.
The unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in June, unchanged from the rates in March, April and May, the Oregon Employment Department announced Tuesday. The rate was 4.1 percent in June 2023.
Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in June, the same as the national rate.
Regional economist Shaun Barrick said seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County dropped by 90 in June to 18,530 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 340 jobs was expected for the month, Barrick said, and the county’s total nonfarm employment increased by 250.
The private sector gained 240 jobs, Barrick said, as leisure and hospitality added 110 jobs, manufacturing added 60 jobs but local government decreased by 30.
June’s total nonfarm employment numbers for the county were down from the previous year by 350 jobs, a decrease of 1.8 percent. Private education and health services were up 60 jobs over the year in June, Barrick said, while leisure and hospitality shed 220 jobs over the year and food manufacturing lost 160 jobs.
This may be a dumb question but every major store in Newport seems to be short-staffed, especially the groceries, so I’m wondering why there is even as much unemployment here as there is.