County Employment and Wage Growth Trends

In March 2003, Placer County in California had the biggest over-the-year percentage increase in employment among the largest counties in the U.S., according to preliminary data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Placer County experienced an over-the-year employment gain of 4.9 percent, compared with a national decline of 0.3 percent. Marin County, Calif., had the biggest over-the-year gain in average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2003, with an increase of 10.7 percent. U.S. average weekly wages increased by 1.5 percent.



Of the 315 largest counties in the United States, 167 had rates of over-the-year employment growth above the national average in March 2003, and 145 experienced declines in employment greater than the national average. Average weekly wages grew faster than the national average in 208 of the largest U.S. counties, while the percent change in average weekly wages was below the national average in 99 counties.

Among the Nation's largest counties, those with employment levels of at least 75,000, Marin County, California, led the nation in growth in average weekly wages with an increase of 10.7 percent between March 2002 and March 2003.



Source.