Jefferson County has made a significant leap in Oregon's economic health rankings, moving from the third most economically distressed county in the state to eighth — a five-place improvement that local officials say reflects real momentum, even as significant challenges remain.
Business Oregon recently released its annual county rankings, based on a standardized economic index that measures unemployment, income levels, wage growth, and employment trends compared to state averages. Ranking first reflects the highest distress; Jefferson County held that top spot as recently as 2023 before improving to third in 2024 and 2025.
From Distress to Momentum
Brenna O'Sullivan-Fulks, the Jefferson County area director for Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), called the new ranking a "helpful snapshot" but said the real story is in the trajectory. In 2024, EDCO had two active economic development projects in the county. Today, there are seven.
"That combination points to a community gaining momentum," O'Sullivan-Fulks said.
Among the recent wins: Gold Beach Lumber has announced plans to open a store in Madras, supported by a local grant designed to encourage community investment. County Commissioner Chair Mark Wunsch called that project "an investment in the future."
What's Driving the Change
Wunsch credited several factors for the improvement, including the broader regional growth in neighboring Crook and Deschutes counties. "When your neighbor's successful, you also can reap some of those rewards," he said.
Remote work trends have also played a role. "When you have that flexibility, being able to work wherever you want, or have some options, what better place than Central Oregon?" Wunsch said.
Commissioner Kelly Simmelink echoed the optimism but struck a measured note. "But we're not finished," he said.
What Still Needs Work
O'Sullivan-Fulks was candid that moving up a ranking isn't the end goal. Housing, workforce development, and infrastructure "continue to be real constraints," she said. "It is a mix of progress and pressure. And both are shaping how the county grows from here."
Improving wages, job quality, and quality-of-life investments — not just headline economic statistics — remain the true benchmarks, she said. "If those pieces are moving in the right direction, the rankings will follow."
Wunsch said he hopes future investments include expanded recreational spaces and continued support for schools and parks. He also flagged water availability for local farmers and the county's fire mitigation mapping as ongoing priorities.
"My view of county government is supporting the necessities of the citizens," Wunsch said. "This is a time to stop and appreciate where we've come" — but not to stop pushing.