Employment in South Coast: May 2017

Employment in South Coast: May 2017 Civilian Labor Force and Number Employed Are Increasing

Coos County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined in May to 4.7 percent from a revised 4.9 percent in April. The rate is below the May 2016 rate (6.6%). Oregon’s seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate was 3.6 percent; the national rate was 4.3 percent. The county’s total nonfarm payroll employment increased over the month by 350 jobs. Industries reporting gains included a 180-job gain in local government, reflecting seasonal shifts in local education. Other industries with over-the-month gains included leisure and hospitality (+60); construction (+30); and retail trade (+20). There were no significant over-the-month employment losses. Coos County gained 440 jobs over the year ending in May for a 2.0 percent annual growth rate. Industries with employment growth included leisure and hospitality (+130); professional and business services (+120); private education and health services (+90); and construction (+50). Industries losing jobs over the year included transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-70). Government employment increased by 70 jobs over the year. Curry County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined in May to 5.3 percent from a revised 5.6 percent in April. The rate is below the May 2016 rate (7.0%). The county’s total payroll employment increased over the month by 190 jobs. Industries with employment growth included leisure and hospitality (+90); and construction and trade, warehousing, and utilities (+20, each). There were no significant over-the-month employment losses. Curry County gained 160 jobs over the year ending in May for a 2.4 percent annual growth rate. Industries with employment growth included leisure and hospitality (+40); manufacturing (+30); and mining and logging, and professional and business services (+20, each). Both state and local government employment increased over the year (+30 and +50, respectively). There were no significant over-the-year employment losses.