These indicators describe employment trends. It is important to look at all three indicators, because as people who were once out of the labor force enter and begin looking for work, the unemployment rate may rise, even if the gross number of employed is also rising.

These three indicators describe economic trends. Rising wages can contribute to reducing the number of people in poverty, while trends in posted job openings indicate employment opportunity.

Skilled workers earn higher wages and are less likely to be unemployed or in poverty. High school and bachelor’s degree attainment rates for the population over 25 show the impact of changes in both the existing population and new residents. High school graduation rates and credential attainment give insight into the skills of potential new workforce entrants.