South Coast Economy in Summary - February

Attached are this month’s South Coast indicators with February 2025 data. They’re also available at this link!

South Coast Economy

Total nonfarm employment grew by 240 jobs over the year in Coos County to 22,850. The professional and business services sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 90 jobs. Mining, logging, and construction experienced the greatest employment losses with 20 jobs.

Total nonfarm employment declined by 40 jobs over the year in Curry County to 6,440. Private education and health services experienced the greatest employment gains with 30 jobs. Leisure and hospitality experienced the greatest employment losses with 60 jobs.

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

• South Coast Employment in February

Special Topic: Manufacturing Sector Productivity

This month’s special topic highlights manufacturing sector productivity 2003-2023 using the most current data available.

Gross domestic product (GDP) generated by the manufacturing sector in Coos County has steadily grown over time. From 2019 to 2023 GDP increased by 36% while employment decreased by 13%. In 2003 on average every worker in the sector added $71,000 to GDP. In 2023 this figure was $163,000, an increase of $92,000 or 129%.

Gross domestic product (GDP) generated by the manufacturing sector in Curry County has steadily grown over time. From 2019 to 2023 GDP increased by 30% while employment decreased by 6%. In 2003 on average every worker in the sector added $82,000 to GDP. In 2023 this figure was $147,000, an increase of $65,000 or 80%.

As the sector has become more capital intensive it has also become more efficient. Oregon was a net exporter in 2024. Time will tell what effects the recently announced tariffs will have on the sector.

Quality Reads on QualityInfo

• Southwest Oregon Jobs Projected to Increase 5% by 2033

• Federal Government Employment in the South Coast

• Housing Affordability in Oregon

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

Jeff McAllister (he/him/his)

Workforce Analyst / Economist

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

(541) 414-5325

Quality Information, Informed Choices | QualityInfo.org