A Snapshot of Leisure and Hospitality Employment in Northwest Oregon

by Brittany Hjelte

July 29, 2026

Leisure and hospitality employment is an important part of the Northwest Oregon economy, particularly along Oregon’s north coast. The industry is composed of two subsectors: art, entertainment, and recreation; and accommodation and food services. Graph showing leisure and hospitality share of total employmentLeisure and hospitality employment experienced slight over-the-year increases across Northwest Oregon. All five counties added jobs, while Oregon experienced a decline over the year in the industry.

In June, leisure and hospitality represented more than one-quarter of total nonfarm employment in Clatsop and Lincoln counties, compared with about one-tenth in Benton County. Despite a smaller share, leisure and hospitality accounted for approximately 4,500 jobs in Benton County.

Employment varied among leisure and hospitality subsectors. Accommodation employment declined in some counties, including Lincoln and Tillamook, while food services and drinking places added jobs, contributing to overall growth in the leisure and hospitality sector. 

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