Study: Coos County population to drop
COOS COUNTY, Ore. -- Coos County's population is expected to decrease starting in 2030 according to a preliminary study by the state office of economic analysis.
The study shows a decline from over 63,000 people in 2010, to about 62,500 people in 2050.
Neighboring Douglas and Curry counties are expected to increase significantly.
After many successful projects and improvements here in the bay area, chamber executive director Timm Slater is disappointed by the projection. "So, if you projected forward and say over the next 37 years nothings really gonna happen here, and it's actually gonna decrease a little bit, that's a problem for those who are looking to bring businesses, grow businesses, start a career here," he said.
Slater says the study does not consider future economic change, and he hopes prospective business owners do more research before deciding whether or not to move to the south coast.
I agree we need to take a positive approach towards the future of our area. Would also be nice to put a cap on earth QUAKES AND SUNAMMIES. We hear that stuff multiple times daily now for 2 years. Who wants to invest thousands of dollars to an area scared to death that its going to be wiped out. Once or twice a year is a plenty reminder not daily multiple times. Businesses will nor come if they fear losing what they invested in
I am with you Dennis....I also say decide what we want this area to become and go for it. Why WAIT AND SEE.? DO SOMETHING! Â It seems to me that for years we've taken the "wait and see" approach and we are going nowhere fast. I have been thinking that lately, finally, there has been a positive move forward...I'd hate to see that someones opinion on what will be for our area stops progress. ABSOLUTELY become proactive! Ignore the pessimism and GO FORWARD!
What I find interesting, is that I believe everyone is missing the important point. People are concerned that business might not come here if the population declines. The real question is what are we going to do about it. To me Coos Bay and the County appear to be holding their breath, waiting for something good to happen to turn the place around. I think it's up to us to decide what we want to become, and then make it happen. Then we don't have to worry about old population projections and wring our hands. Let's become proactive. Choose a direction for the City and let's get behind it.