Central Oregon Economic Indicators September 2026

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

August in View:

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the United States was 4.1% in August 2026. In Oregon, the unemployment rate was 5.1%.

In Deschutes County, the over-the-year seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.8%. 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 5.9% in August 2025 and 6.0% in August 2026, but there was no over-the-month change. In Jefferson County, the unemployment rate was 6.0% in August 2025 and 5.6% in August 2026; there was no over-the-month change.

Articles of Interest

“Oregon’s Nonresident Workers” by Clare McGrady

“Job Opening Trends in Help Wanted Online Ads” by Luke Coury and Molly Hendrickson

“Oregon Jobs in 2025: A Wage Data Perspective” by Bingjie Kong and Molly Hendrickson