Employment on the South Oregon Coast, Jan. 24

Oregon Employment Dept. report:  December 2017 South Coast Economy Following Seasonal Trends Coos County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased in December to 5.4 percent from a revised 5.6 percent in November.  The rate is below the December 2016 rate (6.0%).  Oregon’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 4.1 percent; the national rate was also 4.1 percent. The county’s total nonfarm payroll employment decreased over the month by 20 jobs. Industries reporting gains included private education and health services (+40) and manufacturing (+20). Industries reporting over-the-month employment losses included leisure and hospitality (-80) and construction (-20). Coos County gained 80 jobs over the year ending in December for a 0.4 percent annual growth rate. Industries with employment growth included retail trade (+120); construction (+90); and private education and health services (+50). Industries losing jobs over the year included professional and business services (-230); and mining and logging (-30). Government employment increased by 150 jobs over the year, primarily in local government (excluding education and Indian tribal).  Curry County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased in December to 6.3 percent from a revised 6.5 percent in November. The rate is below the December 2016 rate of 6.5 percent. Curry County’s total nonfarm payroll employment declined over the month by 80 jobs. Industries reporting losses included leisure and hospitality (-50).  Curry County shed 120 jobs over the year ending in December, dropping 1.9 percent. Industries gaining jobs over the year included retail trade (+20). Those losing jobs over the year included leisure and hospitality (-60); and professional and business services (-30). Government employment decreased by 30 jobs over the year, primarily in state government.