Over the past nearly 20 years, mid-coast county economies have become more dependent on retirement and other public benefits programs for income, according to a recent study commissioned by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.
Overall, transfers from public programs such as Social Security, health benefits, income maintenance, and other programs accounted for 36 percent of Lincoln County's total population income. Another 45% of the county's population was in traditional employment. Industries identified in the employment category include commercial fishing, agriculture, timber, travel tourism, and more. The remaining 16% of economic income in the county came from private investment. The percentage was even more pronounced in coastal Lane County, where 55% of jobs were transferred and 23% were hired.
The study examines the economic drivers and economic benefits of coastal regions, using 2021 data and comparing it to 2003 figures. Reports are available coast-wide and by county. The study was conducted by Shannon Davis of The Research Group LLC, a Corvallis-based company, and was assisted by Dr. Hans Radke. From Yachats. This report is designed as a resource to provide coastal communities with useful information to inform plans and recommendations for planners and policy makers.
This study updates metrics and analyzes originally used in a 1994 research report sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association (OCZMA). The organization sponsored several updates to the original study, culminating in his 2006 report using 2003 data.
“With this report, efforts to determine desirable economic goals, objectives, and programs will be more focused and require less background information,” said Marcus Hintz, executive director of the Oregon Coast Tourism Association. We can work on it.” “This information helps us understand the impacts of change and how appropriate planning can sustain and grow coastal economies within limits, protect coastal livability, and manage human and environmental resources. Because this study replicates the methodology of previous OCZMA studies, it provides a long-term perspective to see what has changed over the past 20 years and provides a comparable view across all coastal counties. data so we can collaborate and plan our future together. –
From 2003 to 2021, the share of traditional employment income in Lincoln County decreased by 8% compared to total personal income. Meanwhile, transfer income jumped from just over 23 percent of county population income in 2003 to 36 percent in 2021. This indicates a larger presence of retirees and family members who may be receiving health care or public assistance benefits. The changes were even greater in coastal Lane County, where economic resources from traditional jobs decreased by 30 percent and income from relocation increased by 31 percent.
“Increasing remittance income, especially from retirees, has become a major source of purchasing power in many coastal regions,” Radke said. “Coastal regions, where an increasing proportion of economic benefits come from retirement income, may see some degree of job security. However, the spending patterns of these retirees, the impact on infrastructure and public services, or the livelihood needs of these retirees are uncertain. is still not fully understood.”
Across the coast, 44% of income in 2021 came from work in one of the coastal industries, 18% from personal investment and 38% from relocation. Between 2003 and 2021, income from Social Security, medical benefits, and public assistance more than doubled, from $1.8 billion in 2003 (he adjusted for inflation to 2021 dollars) in 2021. In 2017, it increased to approximately $4.8 billion. This is due to population growth and population change. Among the sources of income.
Information in this report was gathered from proprietary industry category economic infrastructure modeling as well as statewide surveys and census data authored by others. These categories are unique to coastal economies. The modeling results for each income measure include multiplier effects, thus taking into account the full economic contribution from household expenditures. The results are interpreted regarding the challenges and comparative advantages of the coast for economic development.
“This research report was well received, demonstrating the importance of the industry categories listed side-by-side,” Hintz said. “This sheds light on the types of businesses that drive the local economy. This is a very important consideration as advocates compete for scarce funding and priority for their projects and programs.”