Oregon Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 5.1 Percent

The Oregon Employment Department reported that the state unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1 percent in August, a slight decrease from 5.2 percent in July. This figure continues a broader trend of stability, with the rate fluctuating between 5.0 percent and 5.3 percent since March 2025.

Nonfarm payroll employment declined by 800 seasonally adjusted jobs in August, following a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. Professional and business services saw the sharpest monthly decline, shedding 1,100 positions, while construction and retail trade added 700 and 500 jobs, respectively. Over the last five months, the state has seen a total nonfarm payroll increase of 1,800 jobs, suggesting a period of stabilization.

Long-term data shows a more significant decline, with Oregon losing 10,900 jobs over the past year. Manufacturing suffered the steepest annual loss of 6,800 positions, totaling 14,600 losses over two years due to sawmill closures and weakness in the semiconductor, frozen food, and food canning industries. Federal government employment also declined following budget cuts early in the second term of Donald Trump. These losses were partially offset by the health care and social assistance sector, which grew by 10,200 jobs over the past year.