Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Households and Workers in Oregon

Abstract

Key takeaways from our report: Counties with tourism-based economies were hit hardest. Rural and frontier counties experienced lower rates of unemployment. Most workers who lost jobs are looking for employment. More than 77 percent of Oregonians who were unemployed in June 2020 were looking for work. More than 1/3 of workers who lost jobs were unemployed for more than a year. Enhanced unemployment benefits are not the primary reason unemployed workers are not looking for work. Only three percent indicated that they were not looking because the unemployment benefits paid more than their jobs would. Most employers made accommodations for their employees. Half of Oregon’s labor force worked remotely or at home at some point during the pandemic. Workers are not in a rush to get back to the office. More than 70 percent of workers would prefer to work remotely at least some days. More than 1/3 of Oregon workers felt that remote work improved their overall job performance, productivity, quality of work, and ability to focus. The stay-at-home orders changed spending habits most dramatically around dining, take-out, and groceries. About 13 percent of households reported missing rent or mortgage payments. The eviction moratorium has been extraordinarily beneficial to those behind on their rent. Sixty-two percent of households with unpaid rent would have been evicted without the moratorium in place. Most Oregonians used their stimulus checks to pay bills, pay off debt, or pay rent/mortgage payments.