Portland Metro Unemployment Holds At 5%, Construction Jobs Slide – KXL

SALEM, OR – The Portland metropolitan area’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 percent in December, but was higher than a year earlier, when it stood at 4.2 percent, according to new labor market data.

The region’s jobless rate has climbed gradually from a post-pandemic low of 3.2 percent recorded in April 2023 and has hovered at or near 5.0 percent for the final four months of 2025. About 67,900 residents were unemployed in December, roughly 11,000 more than a year ago.

Statewide, Oregon’s unemployment rate was slightly higher at 5.2 percent, while the national rate was 4.4 percent in December.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment in the Portland metro area dipped by 400 jobs in December. November’s job gains were revised upward, from an initial estimate of 1,100 to 1,700 jobs.

Construction continued to underperform historical trends, losing 3,000 jobs in December. Typically, the industry sheds about 600 jobs during the month. Most other major industries posted job gains or losses in line with normal seasonal patterns.

Over the past 12 months, the metro area has lost 12,200 jobs, a decline of 1.0 percent. Most major sectors saw net losses, though private health care and social assistance added 6,400 jobs, followed by local government, transportation and warehousing, and leisure and hospitality.