Are you a data geek looking for a fix? If so, have you tried the LEHD or Census Quickfacts databases?
The two databases contain information from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are combined in a way that allows data geeks, public and private leaders, and others to learn more about their local population and workforce and see what makes their local economy work (or not work).
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at five examples of information that can be gleaned for Commerce City, Colorado. (Those in the Denver MSA think of Commerce City as the home of the refinery located along Highway 270.)
Example 1
In Colorado 24.5% of the workforce has earnings of $1,250 per month or less, 36.1% have earnings of $1,251 to $3,333 per month, and 39.5% have earnings of more than $3,333 per month.
In Commerce City 17.1% of the workforce has earnings of $1,250 per month or less, 34.2% have earnings of $1,251 to $3,333 per month, and 48.7% have earnings of more than $3,333 per month.
This begs the question, “What industries are driving the higher concentration of earnings in the upper wage category for Commerce City?”
Example 2
In Colorado 50.8% of the workforce is male and 49.2% is female.
In Commerce City 73.7% of the workforce is male and 26.3% is female.
So, why are there more men workers than women in Commerce City? What are the types of jobs that cause that difference?
Example 3
In Colorado 50.1% of the population is male and 49.9% is female.
In Commerce City 50.4% of the population is male and 49.6% is female.
OK? The mix of men and women in Commerce City is split about 50-50, but the workforce (example 2) is not. Where do Commerce City employers find the workers to fill their jobs? Where do the Commerce City women go to work?
Example 4
In Colorado the median value of an owner-occupied home is $236,600
In Commerce City, the median value of an owner-occupied home is $206,600
Earlier we learned that Commerce City has a higher percentage of workers in the upper earnings bracket. If that is the case, then why isn’t the value of the homes higher there? Or do the Commerce City workers in the upper bracket live somewhere other than Commerce City?
Example 5
In Colorado 35.9% of the workforce has a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
In Commerce City 19.8% of the workforce has a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Again, we previously learned that Commerce City has a higher percentage of workers in the upper earnings bracket. If that is the case, then what types of jobs are they performing that pay well and don’t require a college degree? Or do the people with college degrees live elsewhere and work in Commerce City?
In the matter of minutes it is possible to create a profile about any local community in the United States. Once that sketch of a community is prepared, then another series of probing questions can be asked to address policy decisions regarding social, economic, workforce, or education issues.
What’s the story behind your community? Check out LEHD and Quickfacts to learn more.
©Copyright 2011 by CBER.