The economy grew across Central Oregon in May, though not as quickly as the growth seen earlier in the year, according to an Oregon Employment Department report released Tuesday.

The report showed fairly typical hiring patterns for late spring in Deschutes County, which added 930 jobs, 20 more than a typical May. Damon Runberg, regional economist for the Oregon Employment Department, said local education grew faster than other industries. He attributed the increase to larger budgets, which allowed districts to hire additional teachers. The leisure and hospitality sector added 470 jobs since April, though Runberg said those were largely seasonal.

Last month, Deschutes County posted a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.6 percent, which was 2.7 percentage points lower than the rate in May 2014, according to the report.

Jefferson County outpaced its ordinary job growth in May, adding 250 jobs rather than the typical 170. Runberg attributed the growth to continued gains in manufacturing and local government, which includes enterprises on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Jefferson County’s jobless rate was 6.5 percent last month, the report stated. In May 2014, it was 9.6 percent.

Crook County fell below its typical job growth in May, adding 90 jobs rather than the typical 150 for May. Runberg called the situation “disappointing,” and he attributed the decrease to a lackluster market for seasonal hiring, particularly in the tourism and retail sectors.

Last month, Crook County recorded an 8.2 percent unemployment rate, according to the report. In May 2014, it was 10.6 percent.

— Reporter: 541-617-7818,

shamway@bendbulletin.com