The “Workforce Indicators” section of the Upjohn Regional Datahub is a collection of eight visualizations: educational attainment, income by sex and educational attainment, travel time to work, means of transportation to work, internet access by household, age of housing stock, building permits, and monthly income need to afford housing. Sources for the “Workforce Indicators” include the American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates and the Census Bureau’s Residential Building Permits Survey.
Please contact us at Regional@upjohn.org if you have questions about interpreting or using the data.
Educational attainment strongly correlates with income levels, workforce productivity, and economic growth. It helps gauge the skill level and potential earning capacity of a population. View the data
Understanding income disparities by educational attainment and sex provides insights into the effectiveness of educational systems in equipping individuals with skills for higher-paying jobs and highlights potential gender-based income gaps, which can be indicative of gender equality issues. View the data
Travel time to work is significant as it directly impacts worker productivity and transportation costs. It also informs urban planning and labor market dynamics, influencing economic development and accessibility to jobs. View the data
Understanding how people commute to work helps assess the efficiency of transportation infrastructure, which can impact productivity and business operations. It also influences urban planning and investment decisions, as well as energy consumption and environmental considerations. Additionally, tracking transportation methods can reveal trends in workforce mobility and inform policies that affect job accessibility and economic opportunities. View the data
Knowledge of people's internet access is an important economic indicator because it reflects digital connectivity, which is increasingly vital for economic participation. It influences business competitiveness and innovation, as companies depend on digital platforms for operations and sales. Internet access also affects workforce capabilities, as remote work and online education become more prevalent. Finally, understanding how people access the internet plays a role in bridging economic disparities, as access can be a factor in determining opportunities and socioeconomic outcomes. View the data
Understanding the age of the housing stock reveals the state of infrastructure and housing quality. Older housing may require more maintenance and renovations, which can drive construction and home improvement industries, thereby boosting economic activity. Additionally, it can inform urban development and land use policies, impacting property values and real estate investments. Lastly, the age of the housing stock can provide insights into population trends, migration patterns, and housing affordability, all of which have significant economic implications. View the data
The number of building permits issued can be crucial for gauging the vitality of the construction sector, offering insights into real estate investment trends and potential economic growth. Fluctuations in permit numbers can signal changes in job creation within construction and related industries, serving as a barometer for broader economic activity. A decline in permits may indicate economic challenges, affecting employment and the overall economic environment. View the data
Knowing the median income needed to afford rent and housing costs is essential to evaluate housing affordability's impact on individuals and the overall economy. This knowledge informs policymakers on ways to address potential disparities, guiding strategies to enhance housing accessibility and promote sustainable economic development. View the data