Hood River Co. tops state in employment

Over the year, Hood River County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.8 percentage point. However, its rate is now ranked above second-place contender Washington County, which had 4.1 percent unemployment.

Hood River — 3.9 percent

Wasco – 4.7 percent

Sherman – 4.6 percent

Gilliam – 6.6 percent

Hood River County’s nonfarm employment rose by 20 in June to total 11,070 jobs. Arts, entertainment and recreation fell by 120 jobs to total 300. Wholesale trade cut 90 jobs, falling to 340. Accommodation and food services led the private sector in June, adding 120 jobs. Manufacturing rose by 50 to reach 1,790. Government rose by 30 jobs to 1,430.

The county’s nonfarm private-industry employment rose by 310 jobs over the year ,ending in June, an increase of 3.3 percent. Leisure and hospitality led the way, rising by 120 jobs over the year, education and health services gained 100 and manufacturing increased its payrolls by 90.

Wasco County’s unemployment rate weighed in as Oregon’s ninth lowest — 4.7 percent — tied with Clatsop County. Over the year, its rate fell by 0.8 percentage point but 5.5 percent was low enough to rank fifth in June 2015.

Wasco County’s nonfarm employment rose by 330 jobs in June to 10,710. Leisure and hospitality led the private sector again in June, rising by 130 jobs to total 1,500.

Wasco’s private-industry employment rose by 270 jobs over the year, an increase of 3.2 percent. Manufacturing led the way, rising by 160 jobs or 24.6 percent over the year.

Sherman County’s rate rose by 0.4 percentage point in June, climbing to 4.6 percent.

Gilliam County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage point in June to 6.6 percent.

Wheeler County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage point in June to 4.4 percent which was good enough to rank in Oregon’s top five, tied with Benton County.