Oregon September Employment Data Delayed Due to Federal Shutdown

Oregon’s normal monthly employment estimate for September was not released today, October 15, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, impacting the state’s ability to assess current economic conditions.

The state relies on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to calculate statewide and local joblessness reports, but with BLS employees on furlough, the September data remains unavailable. However, state economists were able to release an analysis of federal Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data from the second quarter of 2025, which utilizes unemployment insurance records. This report revealed a decline of 3,800 jobs compared to the same period last year.

According to Oregon Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer, “The private sector lost 11,100 jobs over the year, which was a decline of almost 1%. The government [sector] did add jobs, 7,300, and three-fourths of those gains were in local government.” The QCEW data also highlighted that approximately 29,000 Oregonians hold federal jobs requiring unemployment insurance, with rural counties exhibiting the highest concentration of these positions. You can find more information about Oregon’s employment statistics on the state’s official website.

Krumenauer stated that the state will continue to publish available information on its regular schedule, despite the disruption caused by the federal shutdown. The lack of timely employment data can hinder economic forecasting and policy decisions.

Officials indicated they will release the September employment report as soon as data becomes available from the BLS.