Determining and Demonstrating
Social-Economic Linkages to County Resources

Methodology to Determine Social-Economic Linkages

A social-economic profile should describe how the county's history, culture, character, and communities have been shaped by, and are connected to, their physical surroundings. To do this, a county should:

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Examples of Social-Economic Profiles

The Governor's Office of Planning & Budget recently compiled profiles on a number of counties. The county profiles are an excellent template, but the state-wide profile should also be consulted to further establish the local context. These profiles can be found at - http://www.planning.utah.gov/usfsprofiles.htm

The Six County Association of Governments has also compiled social-economic profiles for their member counties and communities in central Utah . These profiles can be found at - http://www.sixcounty.com/site/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=32

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Information Sources for Social-Economic Data

Note: Estimates are usually for the present and past, while projections are estimates for future dates.

A good place to begin gathering general social-economic data for your county and communities is the U.S. Census Bureau's “QuickFacts.” QuickFacts tables are summary profiles showing frequently requested data items from various Census Bureau Programs. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/49/49055.html

Population Data :

Any population data is an indication of the demand on resources. Once a county knows about past population counts, it can better understand the impact of population on the local economy in the past.

•  Historic Decennial Census Counts - (Census Bureau)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/HTMLBriefs/CityCountyBrief/Historic.htm

Following an examination of the past, a county can look at the probable future and the potential impact on local resources.

•  Population Projections - (GOPB)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/LongTermProjections.html

Age groups give a county a more detailed snapshot of specific groups that may have higher demands on resources.

•  Age Distribution – (historic from Census, projected from GOPB)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/LongTermProjections.html

Similar to age groups, racial and ethnic composition gives a county an idea of the groups that may have a higher demand on local resources. San Juan County, for example, will have a significant impact from the American Indian population.

•  Racial/Ethnic Composition – (Census Bureau)

•  http://www.census.gov/popest/race.html (estimates)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/HTMLBriefs/RaceBrief/contents.htm (decennial)

Where is the population concentrated? Where are these population centers and what impact might they have on the county's resources.

•  Most Populous Cities – (Census Bureau)
•  http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/

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Economic Data :

Employment data is an indicator of the overall economy of a region. It may help establish linkages to the public lands and associated resources in the area.

•  Non-Agriculture Employment by Industry – (Utah Department of Workforce Services - DWS)
•  http://jobs.utah.gov/wi/pubs/EM/AnnualReport/

Wage data specifies the impact of employment on the economy.

•  Non-Agriculture Wages by Industry – (DWS)
•  http://jobs.utah.gov/wi/pubs/EM/AnnualReport/

Historic job growth data provides a relative measure of how the local economy compares to the State and Nation.

•  Historic Job Growth – (Bureau of Economic Analysis - BEA)
•  http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis/
•  Select table CA30

Unemployment data provides another indication of the health of the local economy.

•  Unemployment Rate – (DWS)
•  http://jobs.utah.gov/wi/Regions/County.asp

The impact of federal vs. local government on the local economy.

•  Government Jobs – (BEA)
•  http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis/
•  Select table CA25

Given the history, a county can make projections about the areas of the economy that will change and, therefore, impact the economy in the future.

•  Employment Projections By Industry – (GOPB)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/LongTermProjections.html

Industry shares of total employment show the areas of specialization that will most impact the future of the economy. For example, changes in mining employment has a significant impact on the Emery County economy.

•  Historic, Current, and Projected Industry Share of Total Employment

•  Historic and Current from BEA
• http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis/
•  Select table CA25

•  Projected from GOPB
• http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/LongTermProjections.html

•  note: in the future, a county may encounter issues comparing SIC to NAICS

Income data provides a measure of the relative purchasing power of local households (as compared to the state).

•  Median Household Income

•  Census Bureau (decennial)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/HTMLBriefs/Inc&Pov/Contents.htm

•  Current Population Survey (CPS)
•  CPS http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income.html

•  Per Capita Income

•  Census Bureau (decennial)
•  http://www.governor.utah.gov/dea/HTMLBriefs/Inc&Pov/SMCRInc.htm

•  BEA
•  http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis/
•  Select table CA1-3

Total income data provides another measure of an area's economic growth by the sum of all income in the area.

•  Total Personal Income – (BEA)
•  http://www.bea.gov/bea/regional/reis/
•  Select table CA1-3

Poverty data provides a measurement of economic well-being by looking at people in need. It also shows the potential difficulties faced by government in that area, as the impoverished require more government services.

•  Percent of Population in Poverty – (Census Bureau (only available decennial at the county level))
•  http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/49/49001.html

Educational data provides an indication of an area's ability to adjust to changes in the economy.

•  Educational Attainment
•  Could also use CPS data intercensal
•  CPS http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/educ-attn.html
•  Census from AFF at Census website

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