South Coast Unemployment, Jan. 24

Coos County’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate increased to 5.5 percent from a revised 5.3 percent in November. The rate is the same as December 2017. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 4.1 percent; the national rate was 3.9 percent. The county’s total payroll employment decreased over the month by 30 jobs, primarily reflecting winter shifts in construction, and leisure and hospitality (-30, each). Other industries reporting over-the-month losses included retail trade and financial activities (-20, each). Gains were reported in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+30); and private education and health services (+20). Local government (tribal) reported an additional 30 jobs over the month. Coos County added 400 jobs over the year ending in December for a 1.8 percent annual job change.  Curry County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.5 percent from a revised 6.2 percent in November. The rate is above the December 2017 rate (6.2%). Curry County’s total nonfarm payroll employment decreased over the month by 100 jobs. No substantive employment gains were reported. Leisure and hospitality shed 60 jobs, which is typical this time of year. Other additional small losses were reported across several industries. Curry County reported a loss of 170 jobs over the year ending in December, resulting in a negative 2.6 percent over-the-year job loss.