Coos Bay observes population plateau and evolving economic landscape

In a recent joint work session held on April 22, 2025, the Coos Bay City Council and Planning Commission discussed critical demographic and economic trends affecting the community. The meeting focused on existing conditions in Coos Bay, revealing a plateau in population growth and significant economic challenges.

The data presented indicated that Coos Bay experienced an 8% population increase from February 2010 to February 2020, followed by a slight decline of 1% from 2020 to 2023. This stagnation in population growth raises concerns about the community's long-term viability and economic development. Anecdotal evidence from local real estate professionals suggests a perception of increased migration into the area, contrasting with the census data.

Demographic analysis highlighted that Coos Bay has a lower median income compared to state and county averages, with a notable proportion of residents earning under $20,000. The median age in Coos Bay is approximately 43 years, older than the state average of 39 but younger than the county's median age of 48. Additionally, the community is witnessing a growth in its Latino population, while the overall BIPOC demographic is declining.

Economic indicators showed that office rents have stabilized near pre-pandemic levels, with vacancy rates also returning to similar figures. Retail rents are slightly above pre-pandemic levels, but vacancy rates are on the rise. The meeting underscored the challenges faced by older buildings in downtown areas, which require significant renovations to attract new tenants, contributing to higher vacancy rates.

Small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 30 employees, have remained stable over the past decade, reflecting the plateau in population growth. The largest employment sector in Coos Bay is government, which also offers the highest wages. Other significant sectors include healthcare, retail, and accommodation services, with the latter two generally providing lower average wages.

The discussion also touched on the decline of manufacturing jobs in the area, notably due to the closure of the Georgia Pacific Mill, which has significantly impacted local employment levels.

As the City Council and Planning Commission continue to analyze these trends, the implications for future policy decisions and community development strategies remain critical. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate employment data and its implications for the local economy, particularly regarding the inclusion of various sectors and demographics in future analyses.