PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The number of unemployed Oregonians is on the rise, according to state economists.

The Oregon Employment Department found that the percentage of residents without jobs rose to 4.5% in February, which is the highest unemployment rate seen in Oregon since August 2021.

This means unemployment in the state has grown since its rate of 4.4% in January. It also makes it 0.4% higher than the current national average of 4.1%.

Workers in construction, private education, and financial services were among the most affected. Meanwhile, professional and business services, information, manufacturing, and waste jobs boomed.

Over the past 12 months, the highest employment growth was seen in the healthcare and social assistance industry with a 4.8% increase, including more than 14,000 jobs. This comes shortly after the industry saw a reduction of 1,300 jobs in January due to a strike by local healthcare workers.

Other major hires were made in government and payroll.