Central Oregon Economic Indicators October 2026

by Clare McGrady, Workforce Analyst/Economist, Oregon Employment Department

September in View:

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the United States was 4.2% in September 2026. In Oregon, the unemployment rate was 5.0%.

In Deschutes County, the over-the-year seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.7%. Deschutes County is the only county in Central Oregon with an unemployment rate lower than Oregon’s rate. In Crook County, the unemployment rate was 6.0% in September 2025 and 5.8% in September 2026. In Jefferson County, the unemployment rate was 6.0% in September 2025 and 5.4% in September 2026.

Articles of Interest

“The Diversity of Oregon’s Industries” by Molly Hendrickson

“2026 Oregon Wage Information” by Jason Payton

“Oregon’s Forest Sector Employment Totaled 61,000 in 2025” by Anna Johnson