Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Among Highest in the Nation

April 09, 2026

Oregon’s unemployment rate was higher than almost every other state in January 2026. At 5.2%, it was tied for the third highest rate in the nation along with New Jersey. Only Nevada, California, and Delaware had a higher rate. The national unemployment rate was 4.3%.

Oregon’s neighboring states generally had higher unemployment rates. California was tied for the highest rate of any U.S. state at 5.4%. Nevada had the second highest rate in the country (5.3%) and Washington was tied for fourth (5.0%). With a rate of 3.7%, Idaho was Oregon’s only neighbor below the nationwide rate.

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Ranking Unusually High

Over the last decade, it has been rare for Oregon’s unemployment rate to fall so near the top of states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks states by unemployment rate with 1 being the lowest rate and 50 being the highest. Between 2016 and 2022, Oregon’s unemployment rate was middling, typically falling between 20 and 30. Oregon’s rank began rising in 2022, but this increase accelerated in 2025. Last year, Oregon’s rate ranked 45 or above every month except for January.