What does the best local economic indicator say about the economies of central Utah? Recently released employment data for the second quarter of 2010 shows that most of these economies are on the mend and one is even growing.
Wayne County saw its nonfarm job base increase by 2 percent between June 2009 and June 2010. Like other tourism-dependent economies in the southern part of the state, Wayne County seems to be entering the business expansion cycle earlier than some of its larger neighbors.
However, while neither Millard or Sevier counties added jobs over the same time period, they are certainly poised to do so quickly. Millard County's employment held steady between June 2009 and June 2010 and Sevier County's employment was down a mere 0.2 percent.
Further behind in the recovery race, both Sanpete County and Piute County continue to show notable employment declines. Sanpete County seems stalled for the moment in a jobless recovery with declines holding steady rather than getting smaller. In small Piute County, growth and contraction are often dramatic, just because of its small employment base. Such is the case with the county's current 10-percent decline.
For more detailed information on employment growth in the second quarter go to: jobs.utah.gov/countyinfo. Select your county, then the "Nonfarm Jobs" link on the right-hand side of the page.
