Benton County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in May, matching its revised rate of 3.4% in April. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in May was 4.2%, unchanged from its revised April rate of 4.2%.
Benton County’s employment gains in May were more than normal; total nonfarm employment increased by 260 jobs, when an employment increase of 80 jobs would be expected. As a result, seasonally adjusted employment increased 180 jobs between April and May.
Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is now up 5.5% from the level in February 2020, 2,380 jobs above its pre-pandemic level.
Over the past year Benton County’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is up 1,420 jobs or 3.2%. The private sector overall added 230 jobs over the month. Leisure and hospitality added 90 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities employment increased by 50 in May. The public sector overall added 30 jobs in May. Local and federal government employment both increased 20. State government shed 10 jobs.
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