Clatsop County’s economy transitioned from the busy summer season to a more locally based employment structure in September, according to state employment statistics.

The county’s seasonally adjusted employment rate in September was 3.8 percent, a slight increase from August but one-half a percent lower than the year prior. It was tied with Deschutes County for the ninth-lowest unemployment rate in the state.

Seasonally adjusted statistics compare economic forecasts with real changes. The county was expected to lose 360 jobs in September, but only lost half that much. Nonfarm payroll employment was at 18,880, a gain of 350 from the year prior.

The private sector lost 360 jobs in September with the slowdown from summer, including 290 in leisure and hospitality and 50 in retail trade. The government added 180 jobs, including 170 from the start of school. Professional and business services also added 60 jobs.

Over the past year, leisure and hospitality has added 190 jobs, retail trade 140, construction 50 and local government 70, excluding education.