Central Oregon Economic Indicators November 2023

Published on Jan 11, 2024

Economy in Central Oregon

By Jake Procino | Workforce Analyst/Economist, Multnomah County | Oregon Employment Department

Year-over-year, Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 2.0%, adding 39,600 jobs. In Central Oregon, total nonfarm payroll employment was up by 5,000 jobs over the year.

Jefferson County saw employment increase by 390 jobs year-over-year, while Crook County saw total nonfarm payroll employment decrease by -340 during this time. Deschutes County employment increased by 4,950 jobs year-over-year.

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed the same at 3.6% from October to November. The U.S.’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly in October and is now 3.7%.

In Central Oregon, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from October to November in Crook from 5.6% to 5.7%, stayed at 3.6% in Deschutes, and decreased in Jefferson from 4.5% to 4.4%.

Topic of the Month: Commuting Patterns: Oregon Industry Employment Projections, 2022-2023

Oregon’s total employment will grow by 221,000 jobs between 2022 and 2032, according to new projections from the Oregon Employment Department. Employment growth primarily reflects structural growth in the economy, as employment in many sectors had largely recovered from pandemic losses by 2022. Many job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations.

The information sector is projected to increase the fastest, growing 20% (+7,400 jobs) due to expected growth in data processing & hosting services and software publishers.

Private health care and social assistance is projected to add 44,500 jobs in the next 10 years. This growth is attributed to the aging of the state’s population, longer life expectancies, and an expected rebound in the state’s long-term population growth.

Year-over-year, Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 1.8%, adding 35,200 jobs. In Central Oregon, total nonfarm payroll employment was up by 4,480 jobs over the year.

Jefferson County saw employment increase by 420 jobs year-over-year, while Crook County saw total nonfarm payroll employment decrease by 430 during this time. Finally, Deschutes County employment increased by 4,490 jobs year-over-year.

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.5% in September to 3.6% in October, marking the second increase of the year. The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate also increased slightly in October and is now 3.8%.

In Central Oregon, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased in the counties of Deschutes and Jefferson and increased in Crook County. In Deschutes County, the unemployment rate went from 3.7% in September to 3.6% in October, while in Jefferson County, it went from 4.5% in September to 4.4% in October. In contrast, in Crook County, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate went from 5.5% in September to 5.6% in October.