Josephine County total employment fell by 100 in December. Over the year, the county’s job count rose by 160. An increase of 300 private sector jobs was offset by a loss of 140 government positions. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate estimate was down slightly from November at 11.6 percent in December.

There were 3,836 unemployed in Josephine County in December compared to 3,800 in November. In December of 2011 there were over 4,000 unemployed.

Over the year the largest increases occurred in retail trade with 150 jobs added and professional and business service added 140 jobs. Private sector jobs lost over the last year include 20 each for construction, and transportation, warehousing, and utilities.