September 24, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

Total nonfarm jobs in Douglas County declined over the year to August by 300 jobs or 1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis.

A State of Oregon Employment Department release said job declines were estimated in several industries over the year including:

*Manufacturing which lost 200 jobs or 5 percent

*Retail trade lost 190 jobs or 4 percent

*Mining, logging and construction lost 110 jobs or 4 percent

*Government lost 110 jobs or 1 percent.

Private education and health services added 260 jobs or 4 percent while wholesale trade gained 60 jobs or 7 percent.

Regional Economist Henry Fields said over the month, total nonfarm employment was essentially unchanged. Fields said slight losses in manufacturing, and leisure and hospitality were counterbalanced by gains in government, professional services and construction.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down slightly over the year. The rate in August was 6.1 percent, compared with 6.4 percent in August 2025.