Yuma MSA May 2026 Summary

By Delaney O’Kray-Murphy, EBRC research economist

Jobs pulled back across most industries in early 2026, but Yuma workers saw steady wage gains

Exhibit 1 presents current Yuma MSA (Yuma County) economic indicators.

Recent seasonally-adjusted sub-state LAUS data are not yet available because the BLS is preparing its routine annual revision.

Non-seasonally adjusted average hourly earnings in the Yuma MSA saw increases in the first three months of 2026. Earnings rose 3.5% year-over-year in January to $28.04, 4.5% in February to $28.31, and 5.6% in March to $28.46. At March’s rate, average full-time earnings equate to roughly $59,196.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs in the Yuma MSA saw mixed results in the first months of 2026. Employment stalled from December to February at 60,600 before rising 0.2% to 60,700 in March and falling 0.2% back to 60,600 in April.

Non-seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment in the Yuma MSA fell in the first few months of 2026. Employment dropped 4.5% year-over-year in January to 60,900, 5.0% in February to 60,900, and 3.9% in March to 61,100. April showed similar results, with employment decreasing 2.7% to 60,800. Among the industries, Private Education and Health Services saw the only increase, rising 3.2% to 9,600. Manufacturing showed the greatest decline, decreasing 14.3% over the year to 2,400. Other losses were seen in Financial Activities (9.1%), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-3.9%), Professional and Business Services (-3.5%), Government (-3.1%), Mining, Logging, and Construction (-2.4%), and Leisure and Hospitality (-1.4%). No changes were seen in Information and Other Services.

Non-seasonally adjusted retail sales less food and gasoline saw mixed results at the start of 2026. Retail sales dropped 6.1% year-over-year in January to $182.3 million before rising 14.8% in February to $210.8 million.

Non-seasonally adjusted building permits in the Yuma MSA saw mixed results in the first quarter of 2026. Total permits rose in January by 44 over the year to 119, while single-family units fell by ten to 65. February saw declines in both, with total units falling by 34 to 62 and single-unit permits dropping by ten to 60. On the other hand, March saw increases in both, with total units rising by one to 81 and single-family units increasing by three to 79.

Exhibit 1: Yuma MSA Monthly Economic Indicators