More positive signs in Oregon’s latest unemployment numbers for February. State Employment Economist Nick Beliceks says the state's unemployment rate continues to drop slightly and add jobs. The speed of job growth in Oregon has accelerated, adding 9800 jobs, the largest monthly jump since 1996. Unemployment continues its downward trend. February unemployment at 10.2% is essentially unchanged from January’s 10.4%. Oregon's unemployment rate has been 10% or higher for the last 25 months. The previous record was 28 months, back in the early 1980's.