Unemployment

Measure

Percent of the population who are receiving unemployment compensation or are registered and looking for work.  (Persons whose unemployment compensation benefits have been denied or exhausted can still be unemployed but no agency is counting them.)

Why is this indicator important?

The unemployment rate is low during good economic times and high during a recession.  In an economic downturn, the rate tends to underestimate the number of unemployed because some people become discouraged and stop looking for work, thereby disqualifying them from being counted as unemployed by the definition.

There are significant personal costs attached to unemployment.  Unemployed workers often do not have the income to support themselves or their families.  The stress of being unemployed is reflected through increases in alcohol and drug abuse, marital problems, and criminal activity among those who are unemployed.

At the individual level, unemployment reduces household income, can limit access to health insurance, and contributes to psychological stress.  At the community level, a rise in joblessness reflects a lack of job opportunities and places demands on community human services. 

Unemployment rates are normally low among persons with education beyond high school and among managerial, professional, and technical workers.  Rates are higher among minority groups, high school dropouts and unskilled laborers.  In a vibrant economy, those who need employment have consistent employment.

How are we doing in Hall County?

• Since 1994, the unemployment rate in Hall County has been significantly below the state level.  Hall County rank has dropped from 11th in the state in 2006 to 39th in the state in 2009.
  

What does research tell us we can do to improve this indicator?

• Provide adequate on the job training for unskilled workers

• Provide adequate benefits for low-wage earners

• Encourage industry growth in Hall County

• Encourage the technical skill training and education needed to provide the kind of labor force needed in the emerging, higher-technology era