Oregon's unemployment rate remained higher than the national average in May

Oregon's economy added 4,000 jobs in May, with the statewide unemployment rate remaining steady at 4.2%, and health care and social assistance leading job growth.

PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) -- Oregon’s economy continues to add jobs as the statewide unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in May.

The Oregon Employment Department reported a gain of 4,000 last month after a revised gain of 2,400 in April. It released its monthly report on Thursday, June 20.

The unemployment rate remained at 4.2% for the fourth consecutive month; the national average for May was 4%. Oregon’s monthly unemployment rate has been at 4.2% or less since October 2021.

Health care and social assistance gained 1,900 jobs in May, for a total of 16,200 (5.7%) in the past 12 months. All four components in this category have shown growth. But private-sector jobs overall have gained a net of just 3,500 — for .2% growth — as manufacturing dropped 3,700 jobs, retail trade 3,400, and construction 2,200.

Retail trade (800) and construction (400) led job losses for May.

Read more at PortlandTribune.com.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners