South Coast Economic Indicators - April 2026

Hello Economic Indicators readers,

Attached are this month’s South Coast indicators with February 2026 data. They’re also available at this link!

South Coast Economy

Total nonfarm employment increased by 40 jobs over the year in Coos County to 22,920. The leisure and hospitality sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 50 jobs. Professional and business services experienced the greatest employment losses with 90 jobs.

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 50 jobs over the year in Curry County to 6,450. The government sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 60 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities experienced the greatest employment losses with 80 jobs.

Special Topic: Index of Total Nonfarm Employment

This index uses 2020 total nonfarm employment as the base value to compare employment at the local level up to the national level. Here we’re seeing the United States adding jobs at a steady pace while Oregon leveled off and most recently dipped below employment levels in 2020. Historically Oregon has bounced back from recessions faster than the United States. The story for the urban core of Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is similar to that of Oregon. Coos County meanwhile has yet to see employment levels observed prior to the pandemic recession.

The United States is adding jobs at a steady pace while Oregon leveled off and most recently dipped below employment levels in 2020. Historically Oregon has bounced back from recessions faster than the United States. The story for the urban core of Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is similar to that of Oregon. Curry County recovered quickly after the pandemic recession then tracked more closely with the state. Recently the county has been seeing employment levels below those observed prior to the pandemic.

Quality Reads on QualityInfo

• South Coast Local Area Personal Income

• Southwest Oregon Jobs Projected to Increase 5% by 2034

• The Jobs Most Likely to Be Affected by Artificial Intelligence in Oregon

Thanks for reading! Please contact me with any labor market or economic inquiries you may have. Your feedback and ideas for special topics are also welcome.

Kind regards,

Jeff McAllister (he/him/his)

Workforce Analyst / Economist

Serving Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath and Lake Counties

(541) 414-5325

202604 South Coast.pdf

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