PORTLAND, OR -- The state's unemployment rate continues to drop, thanks to rapid job growth. State employment economist Nick Beleiciks says, "Oregon's unemployment rate dropped to 5.7% in November; that's down from 6% in October." He says that's more than a full percentage point lower than November 2014. The drop also moves the state's jobless rate closer to the national level, which is holding steady at 5%.

Oregon leads the nation in job growth, adding more than 58,000 positions so far this year. "Job growth over the year is running at about 3.3%; that’s right about where it was during the last expansion," says Beleiciks. Eight of Oregon's 13 leading industries added 800 jobs or more last month. Retail led the way, opening 2,400 positions, far more than its usual seasonal increase.