Oregon Unemployment Rate Stuck at 5.1 Percent in August

Oregon's unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1 percent in August, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.2 percent. The state has been stuck within a narrow range of 5.0 to 5.3 percent for 18 months, dating back to March 2025 when it was last at 5.0 percent.

The US unemployment rate, meanwhile, held steady at 4.1 percent in both July and August. Oregon's nonfarm payroll employment saw a decline of 800 jobs in August, with the largest losses in professional and business services, which dropped by 1,100 jobs.

State Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer noted that while payroll employment has decreased by 10,900 jobs or 0.5 percent over the past 12 months, some industries have continued to thrive. Health care and social assistance added 10,200 jobs or 3.2 percent in this period, with private education gaining 800 jobs or 2.2 percent.