The unemployment rate in Umatilla County fell in January, while Morrow County’s jobless rate remained the same.
Umatilla County’s unemployment rate for January was 7.4 percent, down 0.2 percent from December. Morrow County’s jobless rate remained at 6.8 percent – the same as December’s rate. The January unemployment rate for Morrow County is down considerably from where it was in January 2013 when it stood at 8 percent. Umatilla County’s jobless rate in January 2013 was 8.2 percent.
The overall unemployment rate for the state of Oregon in January was 7 percent, down from 7.1 percent in December and down from 8.3 percent in January 2013.
Employment in Eastern Oregon typically falls during the winter months to its seasonal low point while unemployment reaches its peak, according to the Oregon Employment Department. Only a few industries, including local government and education escape the winter lull. Unemployment rises in the winter in Eastern Oregon due to a lack of activity in the agriculture and other outdoor, weather-dependent industries like construction.
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