Larger than expected declines in leisure jobs appears to be the main reason, but the wildfire smoke was also a significant factor, impacting hotels, restaurants, and recreation businesses.

 

In Crook County, the jobless rate rose 2/10ths of a point, to 6.3%, although it continues to post healthy job growth, especially in the private sector.  

 

In Deschutes County, the rate went up slightly from 4.2 to 4.3% in September. The job growth rate is starting to slow, but new jobs are still available in construction, business services, healthcare, and manufacturing.

 

And, although Jefferson County saw 140 more jobs compared to a year ago … the county’s unemployment rate still increased from 5.4% in August to 5.6% in September.