Lincoln County’s unemployment rate ended 2019 at 4.3 percent – a percentage point lower than the end of 2018 but still higher than Oregon’s statewide rate of 3.7 percent and national rate of 3.5 percent.
December’s total non-farm employment was 50 more than one year before, according to the Oregon Employment Department’s regional economist Erik Knoder, an increase of 0.3 percent. The private sector was down 10 jobs over the year and government employment rose by 60, he said.
Industries adding the most jobs during 2019 were financial activities with 50 more jobs, and food and beverage stores with 60. Private education and health services shed 50 jobs.
Noder reported that December’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment in Lincoln County decreased by 20 to 18,740 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A loss of 290 jobs was expected for the month, but the county’s total non-farm employment dropped by 310.
Private-sector employment fell by 250 jobs in December, and government employment slid by 60. Leisure and hospitality shed 230 jobs and food manufacturing trimmed 40 jobs. Education and health services added 30 jobs. Local government, excluding education and tribal government, cut 30 jobs.