Coos County total payroll employment rose by 250 jobs in August, continuing gains from the pandemic losses earlier in the year. Private-sector employment changes were small and included job gains in professional and business services (+40); retail trade (+30); construction (+20); and private education and health services (+20). Manufacturing lost 30 jobs, mostly due to a decline in wood product manufacturing employment. Over the year total payroll employment fell by 1,670 jobs, a drop of 7.3 percent. The largest decline, accounting for about one-third of total job losses, was in leisure and hospitality (-370). Job losses were widespread outside of a few jobs gained over the year in food stores (+10) and general merchandise stores (+40). Sectors with substantial job loss also included retail trade (-160); private education and health services (-150); professional and business services (-100); and construction (-90). Government employment fell by 580 over the year with losses estimated in local education (-250) and Indian tribal local government (-290). Curry County added 250 jobs over the month, with 110 of those in leisure and hospitality. Small gains were also estimated in construction (+30); retail trade (+30); and health care (+20). Government employment rose by 30 in August, with the loss of 20 jobs in local government education offset by a gain of 50 jobs in federal government. Over the year, total payroll employment fell by 780 jobs, down 11.0 percent. Declines occurred in leisure and hospitality jobs (-340) along with losses in retail trade (-80); manufacturing (-80); private education and health services (-60) and financial matters (-50).
