South Coast Economic Indicators - August 2026

Sep 3

2 min read

Attached are this month’s South Coast Indicators with July 2026 data.

South Coast Economy

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 450 jobs over the year in Coos County to 22,390. The private education and health services sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 100 jobs. Manufacturing experienced the greatest employment losses with 150 jobs.

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 20 jobs over the year in Curry County to 6,670 jobs. The professional and business services and TTU sectors experienced the greatest employment gains with 20 jobs each. Leisure and hospitality experienced the greatest employment losses with 30 jobs.

For greater insights into industry specific employment details the latest South Coast Employment Press Release is found here:

South Coast Employment in July

Special Topic: Oregon Artificial Intelligence Usage

Oregon ranks 10th out of 51 states for Claude usage nationally. With an index value of 1.10x, the state uses Claude more than expected based on population. The split is even between augmentation and automation or collaboration and delegation.

Computer and mathematical (20.4%); arts, design, entertainment, sports and media (13.4%); and educational instruction and library (12.4%) related positions use Claude the most.

The majority of people (52.9%) use it in a personal context compared to work (37.8%) and coursework (9.3%).

Quality Reads on QualityInfo

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