Jefferson County's economy is on the move. New data from Business Oregon shows the county has climbed from the state's most economically distressed county in 2023 to eighth place in the 2026 rankings -- a dramatic improvement that local leaders say reflects sustained effort, growing business interest, and the power of regional collaboration.
From First to Eighth: A Measurable Turnaround
Business Oregon's distress index evaluates counties based on unemployment rates, income levels, wage growth, and employment trends relative to state averages. Ranking first means the highest distress. Jefferson County held that spot in 2023, remained third in both 2024 and 2025, and has now broken into eighth place -- a significant leap that signals real momentum.
"That combination points to a community gaining momentum," said Brenna O'Sullivan-Fulks, Jefferson County Area Director for Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). She noted that the number of active economic development projects in the county has grown from just two in 2024 to seven today.
Jefferson County Commissioner chair Mark Wunsch also credited remote work trends as a contributing factor. "When you have that flexibility, being able to work wherever you want, or have some options, what better place than Central Oregon?" Wunsch said.
Made in Jefferson County Tour Returns in June
To showcase the county's growing economic diversity, EDCO is bringing back the Made in Jefferson County Tour in June 2026. This year's tour will include stops at companies representing the range of industry in the region:
- Keith Manufacturing Co. -- advanced manufacturing and robotics
- Central Oregon Seeds, Inc. -- agricultural innovation
- Poland Organic Dairy -- sustainable farming and food production
"For far too long, there's been this idea that innovation belongs in more urban centers," O'Sullivan-Fulks wrote in a recent column. "Here, agriculture, manufacturing, research and innovation are not competing priorities. They exist side by side." Tickets and information are available at edcoinfo.com/events.
Event Complex Lands $62,500 in Grants
The Jefferson County Event Complex received over $62,500 in grant funding this week, further bolstering the county's economic infrastructure:
- $48,000 from Visit Central Oregon's Future Fund for Infrastructure Improvements, including upgrades to Corwin Arena and expansion of the Cowdeo youth rodeo program
- $14,500 from St. Charles Health System across three grants covering event safety, the Cowdeo, and wayfinding signage
Event Complex manager Bart Platt said the funding will strengthen facilities "for emergency situations, enhancing visitor experiences and supporting the vibrant community events that make Jefferson County such a special place."
The grants arrive on the heels of new state lottery funding for fairgrounds statewide and a recent national magazine feature on the Jefferson County fair -- signs that the complex is gaining recognition well beyond the region.