Portland unemployment drops to 4.9 percent


The market gained 5,700 jobs in December. Unemployment dropped to 4.9 percent.

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The strength came in manufacturing, including machinery, computer and transportation equipment, as well as professional and business services, including temporary help. Meanwhile, revisions to the November numbers increased the metro area’s job gains in that month from 1,900 to 2,500 jobs, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The metro area job market grew at a 3.3 percent clip over the last year, adding 35,600 jobs. That outperformed both the strong state job growth rate of 3.1 percent and the national rate of 1.9 percent. Every broad sector of the economy added jobs, with particular strength in professional and business services (7,100 jobs) and private education and health services (6,000 jobs).

(READ MORE: OregonLive.com)