Oregon Jobless Rate up Slightly in February

Overall in February, there were about 122-thousand people unemployed in Oregon

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(PORTLAND AP) - The Oregon jobless rate has increased slightly in February.

But the state is the fifth fastest growing economy in the nation.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was five-point-six percent in February.

That's up from five-point-three percent in January.

This is all according to Oregon Employment Department figures released Monday.

The unemployment rate and job growth can sometimes go in different directions in the same month. Economists say that depends on several factors.

They include population growth and the return of workers who had stopped seeking employment but found new opportunities as the economy improves.

Oregon has seen steady employment growth since the end of the recession in July 2003. It has added more than 132-thousand jobs.