Northern Lakes Economic Alliance • 231-582-6482 • info@northernlakes.net
Andy Hayes, NLEA President
We all know that companies cross government boundary lines all the time. They are constantly buying and selling goods and services while crossing city, village, township, county, state, and in many cases federal boundaries.
But what many people may not realize is that employees regularly cross city, village and county boundaries for employment. This ebb and flow of employees help companies located in a particular county fill needed positions, which enables them to sell products and services, pay taxes, and support their home county. Conversely, many residents rely on companies in another county for employment, which enables them to live, raise families, pay taxes, and support schools and community projects in their home county.
The US Census Bureau has created an interesting report called: “Inflow/Outflow Report All Jobs for All Workers.” The report is based on 2015 data, but the proof that economic development is regional is shown vividly by the movement of residents. You can access the full reports at http://onthemap.ces.census.gov
Here’s the breakdown in our area:
Antrim County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
In Antrim County, there are 4,937 employees that go to work every day at Antrim County Companies. Of these, 1,969 come in from their residence outside of the county. In other words, Antrim County companies import almost 2,000 workers a day to operate.
Conversely, there are 5,361 Antrim County residents that travel outside of the county every day to earn a living from a “non-Antrim County” company.
Charlevoix County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
In Charlevoix County, there are 9,585 employees that go to work every day at Charlevoix County Companies. Of these, 4,570 come in from their residence outside of the county. In other words, Charlevoix County companies import over 4,500 workers a day to operate.
Conversely, there are 5,581 Charlevoix County residents that travel outside of the county every day to earn a living from a “non-Charlevoix County” company.
Cheboygan County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
In Cheboygan County, there are 5,434 employees that go to work every day at Cheboygan County Companies. Of these, 2,227 come in from their residence outside of the county. In other words, Cheboygan County companies import over 2,200 workers a day to operate.
Conversely, there are 5,968 Cheboygan County residents that travel outside of the county every day to earn a living from a “non-Cheboygan County” company.
As you review the information, it becomes quite obvious that we have a regional economy, and that what happens in one county affects the others. All the more reason to work regionally, as counties and regions impact each other.
Share your thoughts on this topic by calling 231-582-6482 or emailing andy@northernlakes.net.
View the workforce charts of these additional counties:
Emmet County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
Mackinac County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
Otsego County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
Grand Traverse County, Source: U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies
