South Coast Jobless Rate, May 23

Coos County’s seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate decreased to 5.4 percent from a revised 5.5 percent in March.  The rate is the same as this time last year (5.4%). Oregon’s seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate was 4.1 percent; the national rate was 3.9 percent. The county’s total nonfarm payroll employment declined over the month by 30 jobs, primarily in local government education (-210) and retail trade (-20). Coos County gained 60 jobs over the year ending in April for a 0.3 percent annual growth rate. Curry County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.9 percent from a revised 6.1 percent in March. The rate is slightly below the April 2017 rate of 6.0 percent. Curry County’s total nonfarm payroll employment increased over the month by 150 jobs resulting in a 3.9 percent over-the-year growth rate. Leisure and hospitality reported gaining 70 jobs, primarily in accommodation and food services. Construction and federal government employment showed slight job gains (+20, each).