Labor/Workforce

• Wadley Donovan Group Labor Market Study
• 2007 Labor Market Study
• Commuter Patterns
• Underemployment
• College Student Labor Pool

Often cited as “most productive,” the York County labor force is available, affordable, and educated.  Whether you are looking for skilled labor or professional level employees, York County will deliver.  The prime working-age population continues to increase, providing an abundance of skilled workers, as well as professional, technical, managerial and clerical personnel.

York County offers a highly educated and motivated labor force.  The work ethic and productivity of York County employees are cited by employers as two key advantages of doing business in York County.  Because of the area’s agricultural background, a strong “work ethic” is still deeply ingrained in the local population.  As a result York County workers rate high in productivity. 

Area workers are also highly productive because of their high levels of educational attainment.  According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 87.2 percent of the York County population 25 years of age and over has a high school diploma compared to 29.6 percent for all of the United States.

Total 2006 employment in York County is 8,654, an increase of 9.8% from 2000 – 2006.  The unemployment rate was 2.3 percent in 2006; however employment and labor force have risen substantially since 2001.  Over 1,000 positions have been created during the past five years.

The availability of labor in York County is enhanced by an excellent highway transportation network and provides a natural means of extending the York County labor shed area.  York County typically pulls in labor from a 45 – 60 mile radius or 45 minute commute.  The labor market area of York County (45 mile radius) includes 121,200 individuals 16 years of age and older.

Labor availability is also enhanced by enrollment in York College with an average annual enrollment of 475 students.

Nebraska is a “right-to-work” state.  Compulsory unionism is outlawed in Nebraska’s constitution and worker’s freedom of choice is firmly supported. 

There are no active manufacturing unions in York County.

Nebraska businesses also enjoy exceptionally low unemployment compensation insurance rates.

Wadley Donovan Group Labor Market Study

During 2004 York County engaged the Wadley Donovan Group of New Jersey to conduct a labor market assessment.  Based on the existing population base and resulting workforce within 30 minutes of the York County commute node, the Wadley Donovan Group noted the feasibility of attracting office facilities with a need for a maximum of 325 high-quality employees and attracting manufacturing facilities with a need for a maximum of 375 high-quality employees.

The following paragraphs are quoted directly from the completed study…

“York County offers new and expanding employers access to a well-educated, high quality workforce that extends beyond the county’s borders.  New employers will likely draw their labor resources from already-employed residents, including the large pool of underemployed residents and from residents currently not employed but interested in working.”

“Within 30 minutes of the intersection of U.S. 34 and U.S. 81, there is a civilian labor force of 44,362.”

“Survey results show that the area workforce has very good basic skills and satisfactory computer skills.  In addition, residents are eager to learn new skills, evidenced by the high proportion of workers interested in accepting new positions if it required additional training for new skill development.”

“Companies locating facilities in the county will benefit from a highly productive, dedicated workforce exhibiting a strong work ethic at wage levels that offer labor cost savings relative to other parts of the country.”

In addition the Wadley Donovan Group noted the following observations of special interest…

• Residents of York County are well educated.  Only 15% do not have a high school diploma, versus 22.1% nationally.  Similarly, relative to the nation, a higher percentage of residents have some post-secondary training (62.3% vs. 62.4%).  Employers often prefer to hire workers with some post-secondary education.
• Median household incomes are roughly 11% lower than national figures.  Approximately 48.1% of households have incomes below $35,000, compared to 44.1% for the country.  Based on WDG’s experience, this comparatively high rate points to a significant pool of residents who would be interested in entering the workforce as second-income earners or in upgrading their skills for career advancement.
• The area’s high proportion of service-sector employment points to a pool of underemployed workers that would be interested in upgrading their skills and occupations.
• Additionally, residents not currently employed also will contribute to the pool of labor available to new employers.  23.8% of not-employed residents are interested in working.
• A significant number of underemployed and currently-not-employed residents who would be interested in work would be willing to travel considerable distances for new and better job opportunities.
• Overall basic skills of job applicants are very good.
• Earnings are low relative to the state and nation, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data.  Total earnings are approximately 16.3% below the state average and 33% below the national average.

A complete copy of the Labor Market Study is available in hard copy and in electronic forms and may be found online at http://www.i80nebraska.com/counties.asp#york

• Executive Summary 
• Thematic Maps
• Employer Survey 
• Household Survey 
• Demographic Data       

2007 Labor Market Study

In 2007, Kenneth M. Lemke, Ph.D., Economist for the Nebraska Public Power District conducted a review of the labor supply factors and labor availability for the York County Labor Area.  The basic conclusion of the report, which follows from the data and analysis presented, is that the York Labor Area and York County would be able to provide a significant number of dedicated and skilled workers to meet the needs of additional employers in the area.  While the report did not estimated a precise number of people that may be available for a prospective new employer in the York area, it is anticipated that if attractive working conditions with competitive wages and employee benefits were offered, a prospective new employer would be able to select their workforce from a substantial pool of applicants.

Commuter Patterns

People commute from other counties of residence to work in York County…
21.8 percent or 1,790 workers employed in York County commute from outside counties.  The out-of-county commuting data (2000 Census) also revealed 28 out-of-state originations represented by 22 states for York County workers.

The most recent figures available from the Census Bureau indicate workers commuting to jobs in York resided in 29 counties and numbered 1,585 individuals.  Polk, Hamilton, Seward, Fillmore, Lancaster, Clay, Butler, Hall, Merrick, Gage, and Saline Counties contributed the highest number of workers. 

Conversely, 11 percent (765 people) of the working population living in York County travel outside the county to work.  This indicates a population that may be interested in working within the county especially with the current increase in transportation costs. 

The area’s excellent network of transportation arterials (interstate, expressway, and hard surfaced roads) allows workers a relatively short and easy commute time in comparison to metropolitan cities.

 

Click for bigger picture

Click for bigger picture

 

Underemployment

 Unemployment rates do not reflect the number of individuals currently employed and interested in another position, nor does it reflect the number of individuals interested in returning to the workforce. 

Underemployed individuals are those workers who possess the education, skills and experience to merit a better job, but are unable to locate or assume one.  While York County’s unemployment rate is relatively low compared to other areas of the country, several studies found that over 2,500 workers believe they are underemployed.  A study conducted by the Nebraska Department of Labor found that nearly one-third of those employed in Nebraska believe they are underemployed.

The pool of underemployed workers is much greater in size (and potentially skills) than the pool of the unemployed and should definitely be considered as a source of available labor.  A Nebraska Department of Labor study found one-third of the employed willing to replace their job.  Of that number 46% had a college degree.  Presently there are over 60,000 full time permanent workers currently earning college credit.  These results indicate that Nebraska can be seen as having a significant source of skilled available labor for high skill/high wage jobs.

According to the York County Wadley Donovan Group study, 2,756 currently employed workers in York County feel they are underemployed and qualify for a better job than they currently hold and 551 of not-employed residents are interested in working. 

A recently conducted study indicates that within York County and adjacent counties (45 minute commute zone) approximately 62,890 positions are paying less than $40,000 annual salary.

Information regarding specific industries, positions, skills, etc. is available upon request as well as customized reports.  Contact info@yorkdevco.com. 

College Student Labor Pool

Statistical numbers do not reflect the labor pool of students attending York College. 

York College, founded in 1890, is a four year private liberal arts college accredited by The Higher Learning Commission:  A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Currently, over forty bachelor degree programs are offered in the areas of Education, Science, Business, Communications, English, History, Math, Music and Psychology.  Approximately 500 students are enrolled on an annual basis at the York, Nebraska location and many choose to stay in the area after graduation.

Additional colleges and universities located in the area include:  Concordia University located in Seward (35 miles), University of Nebraska in Lincoln (45 miles), Doane College (51 miles), Hastings College (61 miles), and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (85 miles).  Due to the excellent transportation network, many students choose to commute to these institutions and live in York.