Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 6,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA market rose by 15,020 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA unemployment rate is 86 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 330 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 5% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Unemployment October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 226,000; +2,800
  • Business Services: 201,000; +2,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 181,500; +500
  • Government: 149,600; +6,300
  • Manufacturing: 122,800; +1,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 104,200; +1,800
  • Construction, Mining: 81,700; +800
  • Financial Services: 72,400; -700
  • Other Jobs: 38,300; -600
  • IT & Development: 26,900; +700
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.