The release of monthly job numbers has been delayed because of the federal government shutdown, prompting the Oregon Employment Department to focus on local federal job data. In Central Oregon, Crook County notably relies on federal employment, with federal jobs accounting for 4.2 percent of all positions—one of the highest rates statewide. That amounts to 347 federal workers as of June. Deschutes County, meanwhile, holds the highest number of federal jobs in total within the region, while Jefferson County posted a modest increase over the past year. These figures highlight the significant economic role federal employment plays locally.