Unemployment rates fell in the month of December for several Oregon counties. Recent numbers show Lane County's rate at six point seven percent, Deschutes at seven point six percent and Douglas at nine point three percent.
Deschutes and Douglas rates remain well above the statewide average. Regional Labor Economist Brian Rooney explains why:
Rooney: "There's just less opportunity in rural areas and when you lose a job, if you want to stay in the area, you might go a longer time before you find another one. Often times, in a more urban setting, if you lose your job, there's usually something that you can take, even if it's not exactly what you want."
Rooney says Lane County benefited from a very strong retail employment rate during the holiday season.
Almost all Oregon county rates are higher than the national unemployment rate of five point six percent.