Ask Our Economist

Do you have questions about Oregon’s economy that aren’t answered on this site? If so, use this form to submit your question. Our team of experts will respond to your question by e-mail and selected answers will be posted below.

Submitted Questions From Constituents

Question: How many Portlanders ride their bikes to work?
- Chris B., Portland, OR

Answer: The U.S. Census Bureau recently released 2005 data on transportation trends around the nation. Portland earned the top spot with the highest percentage of bicycle commuters among the nation’s 50 largest cities. The U.S. Census Bureau found that 3.5% of Portland’s workforce bicycle to work.

Question: Are any industries growing during the current recession?
-Mark S., Salem, OR

Answer: Yes, but not many. Over the last year (August 2008 – August 2009), Education and Health Services added 5,000 jobs, experiencing employment growth of 2.3%. While Government experienced a net decline  of 1,300 jobs over the last year, job losses in Local government (-3,000) were tempered with employment growth in State (900) and Federal (800) government. On the bright side, the Office of Economic Analysis projects that Oregon’s economy will begin to add jobs in the second quarter of 2010.

FAQs

How is the Distressed Communities List calculated and where can I find a current list of distressed counties in Oregon?
Business Oregon is currently using the temporary distressed methodology. If the unemployment rate of the county is below 8.0%, all places within the county are distressed. Once a distressed county’s unemployment rate falls below 8.0%, it will remain distressed for at least 180 days or until the regular distressed methodology is used. When Oregon’s unemployment rate falls below 8.0%, the regular methodology will be used in December of the same year. Check here for a current list of distressed counties in Oregon.

Where can I find a list of companies in a particular industry?
Generally, government bodies (local, state or federal) cannot release any information on specific individuals or companies. The Oregon Employment Department provides on notable exception. Provided with a NAICS code, the Oregon Employment Department will release the names of the companies with the same code. Contact the Oregon Employment Department here for more information.

Reference USA and the Portland Business Journal Book of Lists are two private sector sources for lists of companies operating within an industry. Reference USA provides a listing of public and private companies within an industry. It is like a digital phone book and allows searches based on name, industry code, or location. Most public and university libraries offer their patrons free access to Reference USA. The Oregon Employment Department also provides the service on their Web site. Published once a year, the Portland Business Journal Book of Lists provides readers with information on Portland Metropolitan companies operating in a wide variety of industries. The list is available from the Portland Business Journal or your local library.

What is the unemployment rate for my city?
The Oregon Employment Department provides the current unemployment rate for Oregon counties and metropolitan areas. The current rate, calculated every month, is here. City unemployment rates are calculated every ten years.

The unemployment rate for cities is calculated every ten years during the decennial census. Here is the most recent unemployment rate. Type in the city and state under “Fast Access to Information” and click “Economic Characteristics – show more”.

Where can I find a complete profile of industry business indicators in my region?
Business Oregon’s, Oregon Prospector site or the Oregon Employment Department, Business Information Center are two great areas to start your search.

Where can I find economic information for Oregon or the county I live in?
In addition to the resources at the American Factfinder, Business Oregon produces two additional resources, The Economic Data Packet and Regional Analysis Reports. The Economic Data Packet contains collection of information that describes Oregon’s current employment, wage, trade, and output trends. The Regional Analysis Reports offer a detailed analysis of local population, employment, and wage trends alongside a presentation of the region’s future occupation needs and a list of the region’s competitive industries.