Handyman Jason Beals runs new computer cable at Cheers, a sports bar at 3404 Commercial St. S.E. in Salem as the business prepares on Thursday, May 14, 2020, to meet new requirements for video poker operations. Salem-area restaurants and bars remain on hold for providing sit-down service for at least another week. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
Federal, state and private data show a mixed-bag for the Salem area economy.
Fewer houses are on the market in Salem and Keizer and are selling for more money. Continuing claims for unemployment insurance have been on the rise in Marion and Polk counties. Average wages have increased (but because of job losses among low-wage workers). There are fewer help wanted ads online.
However, Marion and Polk county residents are venturing out to play video poker, which could indicate pent-up demand. Salem residents keep starting businesses.
Home sales (under a half acre) – Salem/Keizer
February 2021: 195
February 2020: 220
January 2021: 173
Median price:
February 2021: $355,000
February 2020: $312,250
Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service
Continuing claims for unemployment
Continuing unemployment claims in Marion County. (Courtesy/Oregon Employment Department)
Marion County
January: 4,479
December: 3,909
April 2020: 12,948
January 2020: 2,268
Continuing unemployment claims in Polk County. (Courtesy/Oregon Employment Department)
Polk County
January: 960
December: 828
April 2020: 2,925
January: 502
Source: Oregon Employment Department
Salem area average hourly earning
January 2021: $24.17
December 2020: $24.14
January 2020: $22.65
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Salem help wanted ads online
A chart showing online ads in the Salem area. (Courtesy/Oregon Employment Department)
February: 7,890
Number of new: 3,310
January: 8,640
Number of new: 2,530
Statewide
February: 80,400
Number of new: 34,300
January: 75,000
Number of new: 27,800
Source: The Conference Board via Oregon Employment Department
Video lottery sales
Marion County
January: $212,084 (lottery locations limited)
February: $5.8 million
Polk County
January: $27,453 (lottery locations limited)
February: $606,615
Source: Oregon Lottery
Salem business registrations
February: 614
January: 582
February 2020: 538
Source: Oregon Secretary of State
Contact reporter Jake Thomas at 503-575-1251 or [email protected] or @jakethomas2009.
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