The federal government shutdown left economists flying blind about unemployment in Oregon, but newly released figures from the Oregon Department of Employment show the picture was worsening all along.

Preliminary August data pegged unemployment at 5% with 6,900 jobs added, but unemployment insurance claims averaged 33,600 a week in 2025 – 20% higher than last year, suggesting deeper weakness.

Meanwhile, private employers still report 50,000–54,000 job vacancies, underscoring a persistently softening labor market.

Tidings Data Snapshot Oregon private job vacancies / summer 2025 snapshot

Installation / maintenance / repair : 5,500 vacancies Production : 4,500 vacancies Food preparation / serving : 4,500 vacancies All other occupations : about 39,100 vacancies Total privat

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