South Coast Economy in Summary - May

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

South Coast Economy

Total nonfarm employment was stable over the year in Coos County. The manufacturing sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 70 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities experienced the greatest employment losses with 90 jobs.

Total nonfarm employment grew by 20 jobs over the year in Curry County to 6,630. The private education and health services sector experienced the greatest employment gains with 50 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities and financial activities experienced the greatest employment losses with 40 jobs each.

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

• South Coast Employment in May

Special Topic: Workforce Age Distribution

Coos County’s workforce has been trending older over time. The number of workers age 55 and older nearly tripled from 1,798 to 4,798 over this 32 year period. Their representation in the workforce has more than tripled, increasing from 12% to 29%. Workers in this age cohort have continued to participate in the labor force longer than previous generations. The less than 25 age cohort has remained relatively stable.

Curry County’s workforce has been trending older over time. The number of workers age 55 and older nearly tripled from 570 to 1,555 to 4,798 over this 32 year period. Their representation in the workforce has more than doubled, increasing from 14% to 30%. Workers in this age cohort have continued to participate in the labor force longer than previous generations. The less than 25 age cohort has remained relatively stable.

Quality Reads on QualityInfo

• Growing Demand and Workforce Needs in Oregon’s Health Care and Social Assistance Sector

• Oregon's Forestry and Logging Industry: From Planting to Harvest

• Oregon's Nonprofits in 2024

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.

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