Oregon Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 5.1%, Despite Job Losses

Oregon's unemployment rate held steady at 5.1% in August, despite a decline of 800 jobs in nonfarm payroll employment.

The state's jobless rate has remained within a narrow band between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 18 months, dating back to March 2025 when it was 5.0%. In comparison, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both July and August.

The largest job losses in Oregon occurred in professional and business services, which shed 1,100 jobs. On the other hand, construction saw a gain of 700 jobs, while retail trade added 500 jobs.