October 21, 2026 3:50 a.m.  

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined in Douglas County over the year, from 6.5 percent in September 2025 to 5.9 percent in the most recent estimates.

A State of Oregon Employment Department release said the county’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment declined by 400 over the year to September.

Regional Economist Henry Fields said industry growth over the year maintained the pattern that has been relatively consistent for the last several years. Private education and health services added 230 jobs, or 3 percent, making up the largest portion of job growth. Fields said other sectors to add jobs included wholesale trade, which gained 60 jobs or 7 percent, and financial activities, which gained 20 jobs or 2 percent.

OED said losses were estimated in other sectors, including manufacturing, which lost 200 jobs or 5 percent, construction which lost 100 jobs or 6 percent, retail where 160 jobs or 3 percent were lost, and government, which dropped 80 jobs or 1 percent.

Fields said over the month, seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment was essentially unchanged. Slight losses were estimated in professional and business services and leisure and hospitality. There were large gains in local education, which is expected with the resumption of school.