Lincoln County’s unemployment rate dropped slightly in March but still is higher than the state or national average.
The Oregon Employment Department’s Newport office reported this week that Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March, 0.1 percent lower than in February. It was 4.8 percent in March 2018.
Oregon’s unemployment rate is 4.8 percent; the national rate is 3.8 percent.
In Lincoln County, the agency said, seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased by 130 in March to 18,640 jobs. Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 130 jobs was expected for the month, the agency said, but the county’s total nonfarm employment increased by 260.
Private-sector employment rose by 130 jobs, and government employment also jumped by 130. Leisure and hospitality added 160 jobs, but food manufacturing shed 60 jobs. Local government education added 140 jobs, the agency said.
March’s total nonfarm employment was 120 more than one year before, an increase of 0.7 percent. The private sector added 40 jobs, and government employment rose by 80. Industries changing the most over the year were leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs) and local government education (+50 jobs). Food manufacturing lost 50 jobs over the year.